If you want to keep moving up in your field, it’s crucial to focus on career development. However, it can be easy to let these plans get crowded out by everyday work and other responsibilities. Fortunately, there are some practical ways to help you embrace professional growth and get the most out of your career.
Start by reflecting on what your goals are – both short-term and long-term. Researching career paths will give you a clear picture of what to expect from each role, and will help you identify the skills you need to achieve your dreams. You can also take advantage of on-the-job training to learn new skills and build your experience, and you could even job shadow someone in a role you’re interested in to see what it’s really like.
Hone your communication skills – both written and verbal – which play an outsized role in any job, but especially those that involve leadership. Many problems in workplaces stem from a lack of communication, so taking courses or finding mentors that can teach you the ropes is essential.
Don’t be rigid. There will be times when your organization or the field as a whole changes, and you’ll need to be flexible enough to adapt. You should also build a network of peers or mentors who can help motivate you to work on your goals and provide guidance when you need it. You can do this by attending networking events, joining a professional organization or reaching out to people you admire through LinkedIn or email. Career development tips