You might think that the best way to make your career the best it can be is to switch jobs to a company that really values you and offers up opportunities to you. However, this can be a precarious way to jump to a new job. How much do you know about a company until you work there? Instead, take control of your career and follow these tips for a happy and challenging work life.
Be Self Reflexive
Whether you’ve just started a new role or you feel like you’ve been in the same place for centuries, not knowing what you’re good, and not so good, at will make it harder for you to progress. Conduct an analysis of yourself – what are your skills? Do you have any experience or qualifications to prove them? What areas do you need to improve on? How can you do so?
Pay attention to the feedback you’re given at work, both on a day-to-day basis and in your official reviews.
Set yourself goals and define the action that you’re taking for your own improvement.
Research
If you’ve identified a skill deficit in a certain area, but you’re not really sure if it’s a relevant area, then it’s time to do some research. Take a look at job descriptions of the field that you want to go into, identify key areas and then look at how you match up. This way you have a better understanding of exactly what you need to progress.
Development Opportunities
If your company is a good one, it will be investing in its employees in a number of ways. They may have opportunities to attend talks and lectures, training or courses or engage in webinars. If, on the other hand, your company is more reluctant to do so, then seek out the opportunities to develop yourself. This way you will also avoid being tied into a company until you’ve paid the debt off.
Find a Mentor
You may be able to find a mentor within your company, but equally, you’ll be able to find one outside. Whichever you choose, and there are pros and cons to both, they should have experience or qualifications as a mentor or coach. Companies like Watt Works offer consulting, training and mentoring to help individuals develop.
Scope Out New Prospects
If you intend on moving, then make sure that personal development and talent management is something that you ask about in your interviews. It will instantly give you an idea of how supportive they are as a company.