Landing a career you want is one thing but over time, chances are you will want to advance in that career path; either by securing a new role or at the very least, being able to ask for a pay rise and have valid reasons to back up why you deserve one.
This article will be focusing on some key things you can do to further your chosen career and take things to the next level.
#1 – Work On Advancing Before You Actually Try To Advance
This essentially means if you aspire to another job role within your workplace, see if you can find some opportunities right now to work on cross-functional projects. In other words, without leaving your current position, can you commence doing some work in the job role you’re hoping to move up to?
Instead of waiting until you’ve advanced up the ladder or asked to do so, start taking on some of the responsibilities of that role in a helpful way. Ask your employer if they would consider paying for you to go back to school or enroll in something like a welding program in Pennsylvania. This will give you important experience as well as demonstrate that you have the ability to do the job. It will also help you to compile a track record of relevant skills for your favoured position in the company
#2 – Build Supportive Relationships Within the Workplace
Sometimes career advancement can hinge on the support of those you work with and this can include superiors as well as work colleagues. These relationships first need to be genuine and this can be achieved by always putting in your best efforts, supporting your teammates, and helping them out whether it’s necessary or not.
What you’re wanting to nurture from these relationships are people who will back you up and support you when you want to advance your career. These supportive coworkers can put in a good word for you with the boss or recommend you as the best person for a higher position. In fact, these people sort of become your personal sponsors in a way, individuals who will vouch for you and your abilities.
#3 – Upgrade Your Skills To Be Considered for New Job Positions
Not all career progression can happen organically or simply because you are a fantastic employee. At times, certain skills and training will be required to secure the position you want or to confidently ask for (and get) that pay rise you deserve.
For example, you might need to acquire certain business skills and acumen to be considered for advancement into a managerial role at work. This can be attained by completing the Certificate 3 In Business course. No formal entry requirements are necessary, except to have a good grasp of English, both verbally and written, and access to a computer and the internet.
You can complete this certificate course in as little as 12 months full time or, in the case of somebody who is already working a job, you can do it over 24 months on a part-time basis.
This is just one example of a course and training that can help to enhance your career prospects and move up the company ladder, so to speak.
#4 – Evaluate Yourself
This is something that you should do periodically. You can start by performing a career SWOT analysis. This includes Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. You will be able to evaluate and determine your potential worth, as well as any areas that might need to be improved upon to gain the position you seek. Also, you’ll be able to figure out whether the opportunities you want even exist in your current place of work, or whether you’ll need to find a new place of employment to achieve your career goals.
You also have to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. You’re probably very comfortable right now in your current job role but if you want to obtain a new position, this will require you to take a leap of faith and put yourself in a position that you’re less comfortable and familiar with for a time.
The Wrap
There are numerous things you can do to give yourself the advantages you need to elevate your career prospects. This article has got you started by highlighting four key things to consider.
