If you find yourself at a professional crossroads, you are not alone. Like so many others, you may feel stuck, bored, or underutilized in your current job role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person spends over 9,000 hours per year at work. When you add it all up, that rounds out to be nearly one-third of your life. If you are going to spend that much time at your job, it should be something you enjoy and find meaning in.
While it may seem difficult to get ahead, there is hope. By taking simple action steps, you can propel your career to the next level. Job fulfillment, purpose, and satisfaction are closer than you think.
Here are 6 steps you can take today to propel your career.
1. Take on a challenge.
One sure way to break the monotony, learn new skills, and demonstrate your team value, is by taking on tasks or challenges outside of your normal responsibilities. Rather than brush off tasks that are outside of your normal job duties, take advantage of the chance to contribute your time and effort in a new capacity. You never know what opportunities might open up as a result of your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and go the extra mile.
2. Take a course
Professional development is always a valuable asset to have. No matter where you are in your career, a new degree or certificate will help you to advance in your skills and increase your knowledge and marketability. A functional master’s degree online is a great option for those looking to return to the classroom while maintaining an otherwise full schedule. You can access your coursework anytime from anywhere in the world and customize your studies around your current personal and professional responsibilities.
3. Become an expert in your industry
What would happen if you took the initiative to learn as much as you could about your industry? Chances are that you would become the designated go-to or authority for certain subjects. You could read blogs, news sites, magazines, and trade papers to increase your knowledge and show your commitment to excel in your career. Others will take notice of your expertise and willingness to learn, which will increase the potential for new opportunities that will help to propel your career.
4. Hire a career coach
One of the quickest and most effective ways to propel yourself in any capacity is to hire a coach. If you find yourself in a state of uncertainty about your next professional steps, a career coach may be a great option. From helping you with the more practical aspects, such as updating your resume, to honing in and clarifying your goals and desires, a coach can set you up with a specific course of action to get you further along in your career.
5. Develop your communication skills
Communication skills are important in every job field. The reality is, however, that most people lack the skills necessary when it comes to giving presentations, engaging in meaningful conversations, and effectively communicating in general. There are several ways to improve in this area. If you enroll in a course, you will be expected to collaborate with others and present your ideas in written form as well as orally. Another great option is to sign up for a group that specializes in this area, such as Toastmasters International. Here, you will join together with others who are also looking to become strong and effective communicators. You will find a strong and supportive group in your area that can help you reach your goals. You will also develop the confidence you need to take the next steps toward career advancement.
6. Find a mentor
Different from a career coach is finding someone who is where you want to be and learning as much as you can from them about how to get there. This may be someone you approach directly or a complete stranger. Take notes on their strategies, approaches, suggestions, etc. Find out what they did to get ahead and try those things out for yourself. You can find mentors in books, on YouTube, at your workplace, podcasts, and more.
Taking the steps to advance in your career may not bring results overnight, however, by committing to some of the strategies discussed here, you will certainly be on your way. The important thing to know is that there are many practical ways to get ahead in your career in order to achieve the success you deserve.
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