Advancing your career and reaching new heights of professional success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes focused effort, strategically planning and executing the right steps to get there. If moving up to a higher position or transitioning to a new role is one of your goals, here are some key actions to incorporate into your career growth strategy:
Assess Your Skills and Interests
The first step to advancing your career is to take stock of your current skills, interests, and values. Make a list of the things you enjoy about your job, your strengths and talents, and the work activities that energize you. Also, reflect on your passions outside of work. Knowing what motivates you and what you excel at will help guide you toward job opportunities that are the best fit.
Set Goals
Once you have a solid understanding of your skills and interests, set some specific goals for career advancement. Do you want to move up to a management role? Transition to a new field or industry? Ask for a promotion and pay raise from your current employer? Get concrete with the exact position or job title you’re aiming for. Having clear goals gives you a direction in which to point your career growth efforts.
Fill Skill Gaps
The goals you define may require developing new hard or soft skills to get there. For example, if your goal is to move from an individual contributor role to a management position, you will need training in leadership, communication, decision-making, and team building. Make a list of the new abilities you need to attain. Then strategize ways to gain them, whether through classes, certificate programs, mentoring, job shadowing or taking on new assignments in your current role.
Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), such as a Webster University online MBA can greatly benefit your career advancement and earnings potential. An MBA provides management training and business skills that open up higher-level leadership roles. The analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities gained are valued across all industries. An MBA also expands your professional network through classmates and alumni. Graduating with this degree signals expertise and can increase job opportunities.
Increase Your Visibility
As you develop new skills, get noticed by higher-ups at your workplace. Take every opportunity to showcase your expanding abilities by volunteering for high-profile projects and assignments. Speak up more in meetings to share your ideas. Attend optional company events to build rapport with leaders. The more visibility you have with decision-makers, the more likely you’ll be considered when advancement opportunities arise.
Build Your Network
A strong professional network beyond your workplace is key for unlocking new career options. Join industry associations and attend conferences in your field. Connect with former colleagues and classmates that have moved to other companies. Build your online presence on sites like LinkedIn. The broader your network, the more likely you’ll hear about job openings and other career growth prospects before they are officially advertised.
Moving up in your career takes planning, perseverance and a proactive approach. But by knowing your strengths, setting goals, developing skills and building your visibility and professional network, you can get on the path to greater success and satisfaction in your work.
