As I mentioned in a post a couple of weeks ago, I received lots of offers to do guest posts. I’m getting to them now that I’ve completed my series of posts about the career advice in my latest career success coach book, Success Tweets.
Today’s guest post comes from Ryan Goodrich, Staff Writer at NorthOrion. It’s called…
3 Tips for Vertical Career Advancement
Career advancement is like a choose-your¬-own-adventure novel, for the decisions we make in life will obviously influence where we go. We may not always know the outcome to these decisions, but we can rest easy knowing that it is from the learning experiences in life that we are ultimately defined. You will inevitably find employment opportunities at many companies, though whether this is a lateral or vertical move is ultimately up to you. Be proactive and prepare for better career opportunities do avoid drifting between the same duties. Keep these three tips in mind as you prepare for the next adventure you choose in life:
1. Have a Plan
While much of your career success will be attributed to jumping at opportunities when they arise, there is much more you can do to prepare for the unexpected. Sit down with a notebook and paper and decide on a plan. What career position would you ultimately like to obtain? What are the skills and experience necessary to get there? Figure out what jobs will help you get there, the training and certifications you may need, and what you can start doing now to start down that more productive path to success. Remember, it won’t all come at once and you’ll need to continually work at improving yourself to make this plan a reality.
2. Reject the ‘Status Quo’ by Accepting Different Assignments
Never fall into the trap of becoming comfortable in a routine job with never-changing duties. Many employees today feel like they are simply stagnating at their jobs, doing the same thing day in and day out. You have the power to do more than what is asked of you in your job duties and demonstrate your new competencies to those who can help in your career advancement. Learn to do something new at least on a weekly basis. Continually going outside of your comfort zone to learn something that is not required to do your job will make you a more versatile and knowledgeable employee.
Ask your boss for different assignments or leap on new work experiences when they are presented. As you continually strive to do something different and expand your skills, you will likewise create more opportunities within your company and within your skill set for career advancement.
3. Expand Your Education
Professional development is twofold in effect, allowing you to learn new skills and knowledge as well as proving to employers you are dedicated to your own advancement in the field. Pursuing a college degree or taking individual classes in the evenings will help you to learn and grow as a professional. Non-credit courses in the evening will help to teach you industry-specific skills or help you develop your abilities in leadership, time management and teamwork. If you haven’t already earned a college degree, this achievement alone will be enough to open many doors in the workforce. The value of an associate or bachelor’s degree is not lost on an employer and will help pave the way toward a brighter future of career advancement. There are many great online, vocational or traditional schools offering continuing education classes to fit with any budget or schedule. Check www.NorthOrion.com for many great ideas and resources.
Ultimately, being proactive will pay off and put you in the driver’s seat of your own career success. Take every opportunity to improve yourself, increase your skills and knowledge, and demonstrate your work ethic and ambition and you will be on the fast track to success.
The common sense career success coach point here is simple. According to Ryan Goodrich there are three keys to really amping up your career success. 1) Have a plan. 2) Be willing to accept different assignments. 3) Expand your education. I particularly like numbers two and three. Success Tweet 81 says, “Become a lifelong learner. The half life of knowledge is rapidly diminishing. Staying in the same place is the same as going backwards.” Lateral developmental assignments are a great way to learn. So is getting more education – at a college, online, or through your employer’s offerings. The important career advice here is to never stop learning and growing.
That’s my take on Ryan Goodrich’s advice on amping up your career. What’s yours? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us in a comment. As always, thanks for reading.
Bud
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