Career Tip Archive

Distinguish yourself

If you’ve got your eye on a promotion, you can’t leave it to chance that the right people will distinguish you from your peers. You must be proactive in positioning yourself for advancement. One of the best ways to do this is to make your own opportunities. Monitor trends in your field and evaluate any situations or issues in your company that could be improved. Develop and present an innovative plan to solve the problem or perhaps write a new job proposal. This is the kind of initiative that not only gets noticed but rewarded.

The Value of Coaching

Have you considered a coach or a career counselor? Kiplinger’s and The Wall Street Journal agree, it is a valuable tool and a growing industry. “Executive coaching has grown into a $1 billion business,” the Journal reports. You may think that you don’t need help, but executives for top organizations around the country are doing it and finding it to be valuable. According to the Journal, “A big part of the coach’s job is coaxing determined overachievers to work on such people skills as controlling their temper and recognizing the feelings of others. Management gurus say that helps with everything from influencing the boss to attracting loyal workers.” So whether you are considering a career in education or business, shoring up your skills in those areas would help you become a more well-rounded Total Professional™ .

Networking

Do you know who you know? How actively do you try to get to know people? It’s no secret that "networking" is a key to success, but it does not come naturally to all people. No matter what field you are in or what you plan to pursue, you come into contact daily with people who may be able to help you. Make a concerted effort to collect business cards. (Take notes on the back of them when you get them if you have to to trigger your memory.) Archive your contacts. Whether you slip them in a plastic page cover or scan them into a simple database, keep track of people you meet and make an effort to reach out, follow up and build a network. It is a two-way street and if you approach it with potential mutual benefit in mind, it is appreciated. You never know what you might be able to do for the next person you meet!

Know thyself

It is more than a famous quote. It’s essential to your long-term professional growth and development that you spend time evaluating your knowledge areas, interests, strengths, aptitudes, and personality.  Be honest with yourself. Armed with this information, you will be in a better position to move forward. When you are considering “dream jobs” or even the next promotion, all of those factors come in to play.  You will enjoy more success if what you choose to do and the path you follow to get to your goals are aligned with who you really are. There are many resources for professional or personal assessment. Consider them!