Last Updated on August 27, 2022 by Marie Bautista
You’re probably familiar with the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
The fact is, your career growth depends on both. You need to know the right people and also have the skills they need.
Career advancement tends to come in different forms. For some, it could mean as simple as being tasked to handle a project with increased responsibility. For others, career advancement only presents itself in the form of a promotion.
While advancement can manifest in different ways, the steps to achieving it tend to be similar to one another.
If you are looking for a way to advance your professional career, here are a few tips to help you do just that and reach your career goals:
10 Quick Tips For Advancing Your Career Growth
If you are looking for a way to advance your professional career, here are a few tips to help you do just that and reach your career goals:
Talk to your boss
Some people believe that the only way to advance your career would be to explore external opportunities. While this is a valid approach, know that this isn’t the only approach.
Career growth and advancement opportunities may exist in your current place of employment. Sometimes, you just need to be clear about what you aspire to achieve.
Ask for a sit-down with your boss and have a serious discussion about career advancement and the steps that you need to take to achieve it.
When higher-ups understand that you want to improve and thrive with the company, they are definitely more open to finding ways to help you achieve growth. This may come in the form of internal management development programs and the like.
Seek out feedback
Advancement is synonymous with improvement. How can you improve if you don’t even know where to start?
Seek out feedback from trusted co-workers and members of management. The ones you work with the most are the ones who are most aware of where your current way of doing things falls short. Getting their insight into your productivity and work ethic helps you spot mistakes and find new ways of doing things.
Take their advice as constructive criticism and try to develop ways to work on those shortcomings. That willingness to accept criticism and improve goes a long way.
Develop yourself / Invest in your skills
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people overlook this simple piece of advice.
In some cases, career growth can stall due to not having the requisite skills to take on larger responsibilities in the workplace.
Take the time to invest in yourself and develop key skills for your industry. One of the best ways to do this would be to take an online certification course, such as the ones offered by Enderun Extension.
Not only do these courses impart necessary skills, but they also help connect you with successful people in your industry in the form of your instructors. Plus, actually achieving certifications opens many opportunities should you decide to look towards other companies.
Find a mentor
Many professionals really learn how to spread their wings and fly after being mentored by someone who has already found success in the industry.
Just as rookie athletes try to pick the brains of veteran players, you should try to find someone who can mentor you on the nuances of your career. After all, who better to emulate than someone who has successfully risen to the top, right?
If you have a manager, you like and have a good relationship with, asking him or her for advice is a good place to start. In other cases, you can find a mentor in your certification course instructor. Other times, you can find sage advice in books written by icons in your industry.
Expand your professional network
Networking is an important part of career advancement. Knowing how to market yourself is a valuable skill at every stage of your career, and a well-developed professional network will be one of your main sources of friendships, mentors, and referrals.
Trade organizations, alumni associations and continuing education classes are all great places to start cultivating relationships with colleagues who can help advance your career.
Volunteer for assignments or projects that will help you develop the skills needed for the next level.
When it comes to career advancement, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
You have to put in the work and prove that you are worthy of a promotion or pay raise.
One way to do this is by volunteering for projects or assignments that will develop your skills. Not only will this give you the opportunity to prove your worth, but it also allows you to develop the skills and experience needed to take on more responsibilities in the future.
Be patient
Patience is a virtue, and nowhere is this more true than in the world of work.
You may feel like you’re stuck in a rut, but remember that good things come to those who wait. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are successful careers.
So be patient, and trust that your hard work and dedication will pay off in the end.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, and look for ways to incorporate them into your work.
No matter what industry you’re in, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. This will not only make you more marketable, but it will also give you a better understanding of the direction your industry is moving in.
Plus, knowing the ins and outs of your industry will make it easier for you to identify opportunities for career advancement.
Get involved in professional organizations related to your field.
Getting involved in professional organizations is a great way to meet people who can help you get ahead.
These organizations often offer networking events, educational programs, and even job postings, which makes them a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their career.
Stay positive and proactive!
It’s important to stay positive and proactive in your career. No one said that advancing your career would be easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and eventually you’ll reach your goals.
There you have it! Following these simple tips should help you get ahead in your career. Just
remember to be patient, work hard, and never stop learning and expanding your skillset.
With a little bit of elbow grease, you’ll be on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in no time!