We are the only people in charge of our careers. It’s not our managers, our bosses, colleagues or the Universe. While we can say that some people are indeed lucky because they either have a rich professional network or know when to make a risky decision, professional development has little to do with just pure luck. It has to do a lot with how you approach your career and keep yourself ahead of the curve.
Improve your professional weak points
The first thing everyone has to do, no matter their seniority level, is to identify their weak points. Is there something you’re not so good at in your career? Do you have a professional weak point you can upgrade to become more competent and professionally confident? Is there a skill you can perfect, learn or master? There are probably people who can train you even at your workplace. You probably know an Excell wizard or a time management master. Just ask them to share their secrets and mentor you so you’ll be as skilled as them.
Build your skills in line with the demand
Always look for skills or expertise that is in demand today and you’ll always have something to build or improve. You can find plenty of useful ideas on LinkedIn and you’ll always be in step with the demand. Even if our not looking for a new job, look at job descriptions on LinkedIn. Here you’ll learn which skills are in demand especially if you fit the job description perfectly.
Each company has different requirements, and quite often these descriptions can be divided into three different positions, but the company is looking for only one person. But, you can learn which areas you can improve in your current expertise. Or, how you can upskill to become the perfect candidate whose experience and knowledge match the job description.
Do the required work
Make a commitment to do the required work by setting goals first. Define what you want to learn and in which time frame. Then, find a platform that promises to give you exceptional training and resources. For example, if you can advance your career with a range of RTO training resources, find a provider that has an extensive base and resources. On the other hand, if you buy an online course that you’re expected to finish within a defined timeframe, commit to it. You’ll probably lose access to the platform after that period expires, so do the required work and obtain a certificate which you’ll be able to monetise later in your career.
Take advantage of courses available within your company
If you work in a company that invests in the continual professional development of their employees, there’s at least one course you can benefit from. If they offer in-house training, ask to join. If your company has a library of available courses, go through them all. Alternatively, if you’re company isn’t known for such perks and benefits, explore free courses. These can work as a base which you can upgrade later with a paid course. You’ll learn the basics and focus on only those courses that are of interest to you. If you realise a course is completely misaligned with your career goals, you won’t pursue it further.
Ask for feedback
Even if you’re aware of your weak points or if you’ve mapped out your career goals, it’s also useful to ask for feedback. You can ask your closest colleagues to point out some areas of improvement or potential skills that will be useful in your career development. Sit down with your manager or if you don’t have one because you’re high up the hierarchy in your company, sit down with someone in your professional network. Stay curious about your career and seek out ways you can get feedback and turn it into your professional and career advantage. You can send feedback HP Reverb G2 VR Headset with Controller Review
You’ll stay ahead and you’ll always be a good match for every job position if you stay ahead of the curve. Even if you feel like you’re good and comfortable where you are, there will always be someone new coming in who’s brimming with ideas or drive to succeed. Since knowledge and competence have nothing to do with age, do what you can now to enjoy every step of your career.
