Career Advancement Best Practices

Whether you are working full-time, while considering a career change, or are a current student or a recent college graduate planning to jump-start your career, you need to work on your career to achieve your objectives. A successful career is not going to show up and knock on your door. If you want to advance your career, you have to boost your chances by utilizing techniques that will help you reach your goals. Here is a list of strategies you can use to accelerate your career:

Set Reasonable Career Objectives/Goals

Thinking about the direction you want your career to go and making sure your goals are achievable can be critical to your career development. In addition, think about the steps you need to take in order to reach your objectives. Setting incremental goals and pursuing what you want to achieve can be a great way to advance your career.

Do Your Research

When thinking about choosing or changing career paths, it is always good to start with research. Research the industries and companies which interest you. Being informed about a potential employer and the industry will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge to give you an edge during the interview process.

Network

Networking is the not-so-secret weapon when it comes to your career advancement. Networking is all about talking to people and making connections, and a well-maintained professional network will likely be ripe with opportunity. Make sure to attend professional events related to your career goals when you are looking to take the next step on your career path. By doing so, you will meet other professionals who can give you access to mentors, referrals or people who simply can open doors for you and unlock your future. Also social networks such as LinkedIn can be a valuable networking tool.

Further Your Education

If you are not moving forward, you are stagnant. To remain competitive and relevant in the current job market, look to acquire new knowledge to stay on top of trends or developments in your field. It is possible that your ideal career or the company, that you want to join, requires a candidate with an undergraduate or graduate degree. In this case, investing in higher education can accelerate your career growth.

Attending college can be expensive and hard to fit into an already busy schedule, but online degree programs can be a great resource because online schools can offer financial aid and scholarships to qualified students to help ensure students have the opportunity to earn their desired degree. Additionally, online colleges offer flexible schedules so that you can take classes whenever and wherever you want. Whether you are looking for an online school or a traditional one, investing in your education is critical when it comes to expanding your career options and open doors to new opportunities.

Seize the Day

Your career is in your hands. Today is a great day to set your career goals and start working towards them. Take advantage of any resources available and start your career development now. Spend time on self-reflection, push yourself to improving your weaknesses and be proactive to achieve your short-term and long-term objectives step by step.

Julie Perrigan currently writes for DeVry University, a higher education organization offering on campus and online degree programs. Visit DeVry.edu to get started today.