The New Year presents the perfect opportunity to start moving your career in the right direction. A change in direction might involve a pay raise, promotion, or even a new career! Whatever the case, the following tips will ensure a successful start to 2014.
1. Set Goals
Figure out what your dream job is and set goals to achieve it. You can make this dream come true, you just have to believe in yourself and your abilities.
2. Stay Alert
Use each day as a learning opportunity. Read articles on developments within your chosen industry, ask for advice and learn from your colleagues. Make an effort to not just “go through the motions” at work. Try to grow and learn a little bit every day!
3. Expand Your Skills
Know your strengths, but don’t be afraid to take a look at the areas that you perceive as weaknesses. Figure out what these areas are and find a way to develop them into strengths. Always keep your resume updated so it doesn’t become a headache when you have to rewrite it for new opportunities.
4. Organize Your Workspace
Organization leads to an easier and much more efficient life. Prioritize your jobs daily. Make sure you aren’t spending all of your time on busy work. Do your best to make the most out of your time every day.
5. Be Proactive
Keep in mind that professional development isn’t something that happens solely in the workplace. Find interests outside of work and get involved with people that share those interests.
6. Patience is a Virtue
Be aware that your dream job won’t happen overnight. As you work towards the job of your dreams, strive make the most of every situation along the way, whether it be positive or negative.
7. Networking
The saying “It is not WHAT you know but WHO you know” is incredibly true. It is important to make contacts. Contacts can come in the form of fellow professionals, colleagues, friends, and even family. Also, it is extremely important to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date. Who knows what opportunities might come knocking?
8. Leave A Job You’re Not Happy In
You aren’t required to stay at a job if it makes you unhappy. If you’ve given the job a chance and have found that it just is not a fit for you, start making alternate plans. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities. The job market might be slow, but new career opportunities will arise!
9. Be Willing to Take Risks
If a new career opportunity does come knocking, take it! Don’t let a fear of taking risks hold you back! Take this new job, try new things and volunteer for tasks you’ve never done before. Not only will you learn and grow as a person from the experience but you will get noticed along the way.
10. Be Happy
Always make sure you look and feel good. Make time for yourself, your hobbies and always get ample amounts of rest. Doing so will ensure that you’ll be your best self each and every work day!
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