By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS, CELDC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindavan/
[email protected]
How many different jobs have you had since graduating from college? If you’re like most people, you probably have never really counted. For most people, they have 10 different positions before they are 40. This number is only set to grow for those coming into the workplace.
Develop Your Survival Skills
Given that you will change careers so many times, one of the most important survival skills you can develop is your job search and career management skills. You already know you have the skills to do the job you are hired to do, but this means nothing if you can’t land the job.
Take control of your life and career by acting with the same objectivity, forethought, and self-interest that the company you work for uses. It’s nothing personal; the business is going to act in its best interest and so should you.
Work on your networking skills. Attend events and push yourself to speak to at least one new person. Then develop your connections. This way, you have a network of people you can reach out to when the time comes to switch careers.
Don’t just update your resume. Modernize it. Resumes today look entirely different than they did ten or twenty years ago. It isn’t enough to just update your resume with your latest position. You need to look at your resume with a critical eye and update the style and format.
Treat Yourself like a Business
You work for a successful company, so why not take a few lessons and apply them to your career? That way, you continue to grow professionally.
Research and Development
Successful businesses continually identify and develop new marketable products and services. So why aren’t you doing that for yourself? Pay attention to industry and market trends. Then develop your skills to fit the changing needs of the industry.
Marketing and Public Relations
Just like companies, you need to manage your professional reputation and brand. Take on opportunities that can increase your credibility. This will increase your visibility within the professional community and make you a voice of authority.
By developing your professional reputation, it will be easier to change careers to a new company when the time comes.
Sales
When was the last time you evaluated your marketable skills? You need to develop a list of skills that you can sell to both your company and any other you intend to move to.
Strategic Planning
You should have short and long term goals for your future. Develop a career plan for the next 1-2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. What strategic career moves will you make over this timeline?
Create an actionable plan that could involve moving within your current company or moving to a new one. Create alternatives so that you are never caught by surprise. That way, you are never caught off guard and end up in a panicked situation by an unforeseen event.
Finance
Invest in your future by making wise financial choices. Don’t take on an opportunity that won’t deliver a satisfactory return on investment. That way, you always move into a position that will improve your financial situation in the long run.
Certifications and Courses
One way to show your skills and professional growth is through obtaining certifications. We can help evaluate your professional development and recommend courses and certifications that can you help take control of your career.
Sign up for your customized career package today, and let’s get started with your professional development.
Let’s get to work!
Linda
If you are ready to work on your professional development, then contact me today at 203-323-9977 or [email protected]