For many professionals, climbing the career ladder is the ultimate goal. Whether you’re new to your current role and planning for the future or have been in your field for years and feeling stuck in a rut, there are a wide variety of ways for you to improve and advance.
While the journey to success often varies from person to person, the general steps to take for career advancement are often similar regardless of industry.
So, if you’re hoping to grow your career and take the next step on the path to achieve your dreams, here are just five fantastic tips to help you get started.
1. Develop Your Skills
Gaining new skills is a great way to not only set you apart from your co-workers when working towards a promotion but can also help you impress new employers should you choose to move.
If you work in an international company, then teaching yourself a second language with a tool such as Babbel can be a great way to help demonstrate that you’re committed to climbing the career ladder at this brand.
You should also consider the importance of soft skills such as time management, team work, and communication, all these are essential assets that are sought after by employers.
2. Advance Your Qualifications
It could be that you’ve climbed as high up the ladder as you can with your current qualifications. You may need to advance your academic career before you’re able to advance your professional career.
Of course, returning to the traditional campus university setting can be difficult for many, particularly those with career and family responsibilities.
However, a more suitable alternative could be distance learning. Expert providers like Anglia Ruskin University offer a wide range of courses such as Learning and Teaching (Higher Education) PG Cert that can allow you to take the next step in your education journey at a schedule that suits your needs.
3. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear goals is essential if you’re hoping to grow your career, how else will you know how to get where you want to be?
Ask yourself where you plan to be in two, five, and ten years time as this will give you something to work towards.
While it’s good to have ambitions, it’s also important that your goals are achievable and actionable, otherwise you could find yourself feeling stuck.
4. Seek Mentorship
Finding mentorship can be a great way for you to gain the insight and skills you need in order to grow in your career.
While this mentor can be someone from within your organisation, it can also be from further afield. Consider attending conferences and workshops within your industry in order to network with the people that you meet there.
Alternatively, you can connect with others in your field on platforms such as LinkedIn. Wherever you find your mentor, doing so can provide you with the valuable resources that you need to grow.
5. Embrace New Challenges
Sometimes, the only way to grow in your career is to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges.
Plus, when you volunteer for new opportunities and put yourself out there, you’ll demonstrate to your employer that you’re ready for more responsibility.
Share your tips for career growth in the comments below!