15 Tips to Help You Propel Your Career
Posted March 27th, 2019 -- 11:36 PM

15 Tips to Help You Propel Your Career

When it comes to building a career, sometimes it feels like you could use all the advice you can get. From picking the “right” career to actually excelling in it.That’s why we’ve gathered some great  career advice. From starting out at the bottom of the ladder  to advancing to a more senior position to maybe even opening your own business, we’ve collected 15 of the best tips for whatever stage you’re at in your career.

1). USE YOUR SKILLS

The best career or job is the one in which you’re using the skills you enjoy. But, not every job may address all of your passions. Use every job as an opportunity to learn something new and keep an open mind; you may find that you really enjoy something you never imagined would appeal to you.

2). HAVE FUN

Don’t take yourself (or your career) too seriously. Plenty of brilliant people started out in jobs they hated, or took paths that didn't seem  "right" at the beginning of their careers. Professional development is no longer conventional step to step and trust that with hard work and a dedication to figuring out what you want to do with your life, you, too, will be OK!

3). RECOGNISE VALUE IN EVERYONE

Every person you meet is a potential door to a new opportunity—personally or professionally. Build good bridges even in that just-for-now job, because you never know how they’ll grow into the larger picture of your life.

4). CREATE YOUR OWN SUNSHINE

Sometimes you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself to pick the right choice, and maybe they are all good jobs or options but no matter how good, there’s the one that you pick and make great.

5).   PROFESSIONALISM ALWAYS MATTERS

No matter how low you are on the job ladder  or how exhausted you’ve become by your responsibilities, it’s still important to show up early, wear something sharp, and avoid distractions like social media. When you act like a professional, you  feel like your work is more valuable. “Looking the part” boosts your confidence, and helps you  see yourself as a capable contributor to the team—and ultimately leads  the rest of your  team to see you  in the same light.

6).  OTHER ASPECTS OF LIFE MATTERS TOO

Remember that a job, even a great job or a fantastic career, doesn’t give your life meaning, at least not by itself. Life is about what you learn, who you are or can become, who you love and are loved by and remember that If the career you have chosen has some unexpected inconvenience, console yourself by reflecting that no career is without them.

7)  BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR CAREER

Every year or two, spend some time really thinking about your career. Go out and warm up your network, check out new opportunities, and do some salary comparisons. You make smarter career decisions when you have information.

8).   STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Also, if you are afraid or uncomfortable, you are probably onto something awesome! Fear means you are growing your comfort zone.

9). CEASE THE MOMENTS

Don’t be afraid to speak up in a meeting or to schedule a small meeting with a colleague or boss—whether to work out details on a project or deal with a sensitive situation. When it comes to having your ideas heard, or to connecting with co-workers, never underestimate the power of face time and the importance of one on one  communication.

10).  NEVER BE AFRAID OF BEING VULNERABLE

Some people think the office is the place to be all power, all brilliance, all the time. While you should strive to make a powerful and brilliant impression, an occasional question or clarification won’t disqualify your abilities—but it may help you get through a tricky situation with your reputation intact.

11).  EVERY CRITICISM IS A LOCUS FOR LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT

Take criticism or “feedback” for what it is: a gift given to you to make you better at what you do. Don't concern yourself with the person or the method of delivery. Instead, seive  out the lesson and move on.

12).  BE ASPIRATIONAL

It is often said  "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." But this message goes far beyond the clothes you wear every day: It’s how you present yourself in meetings and at office events, how you interact with staff both above and below you, and how seriously you take your work.

13).   BE LIKE JAMES BOND - THRIVE IN CHAOS

Know that in chaos, there is always opportunity. Most major career accelerations happen when someone steps into a mess and makes a  positive difference with the most appealing way out.

14).   HARD WORK PAYS MORE THAN TALENT

Work harder than everyone under you or above you. Nothing commands respect more than a good work ethic. This means being the first one at the event in the morning and the last one to leave in the evening. 

15).  LEARN FROM THOSE WITH THE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Having a mentor within your company is particularly valuable—she/he can identify opportunities for advancement you might overlook, guide you through challenging projects, and help you build relationships with the "big names". Most importantly, if she’s influential, she/he can earn you recommendations for special projects or teams that you might not have been considered for otherwise.

And these are the factors that are going to pave the way for success at your company, institution or organization.

By Sylvia Waindim - Content Writer & Digital Marketing Intern

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