It’s the start of a new year and a new decade, which means it is an excellent time to start making changes to improve your professional development and career growth. As you make your new year resolutions, here are some tips to elevate your career to the next level.
Create SMART Goals
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Based. SMART goals are a way to ensure that you not only meet your goals but do so in a way that is effective. Very often, people create new year resolutions that are too far out of reach or without an understanding of how they can measure success. If you are trying to move to the next level in your career, whether that be a promotion, a raise, increased responsibility, etc., creating SMART goals is a way to increase your chances of achievement. Make sure to write them down and track your progress. And don’t forget to celebrate each accomplishment along the way.
Have Open Communication
Let your manager know your professional goals. It will help them understand how to better help you achieve them. Making changes in your career comes with challenges and setbacks, but having someone in your corner who understands what you are trying to accomplish will make it an easier journey. It might also help to keep you accountable so that you are less likely to fall off course.
Develop Your Professional Portfolio
Building your skills, experience, and expertise is an excellent way to increase the possibility that you are kept top of mind for the next big promotion or change in your career. Take the initiative to go to trainings, lead a project, and attend conferences. Teach new employees the ins and outs of the office, keep up with new trends, and propose ideas for improvement to your manager and the team. Most employers do not promote just because you have worked at a place for a certain amount of time. They look for those who are already demonstrating that they can handle increased responsibility. Make the decision easy for your manager by always being prepared for the next step.
Continue Growing your Network
Networking is important regardless of whether you are looking for improvement in your professional life. It has been said that the time for networking is not when you need a network but before it. The value of having a solid, reliable network is often underestimated, and people don’t realize that opportunities typically come from the help of others. Think about it. How many of the accomplishments that you have had in your career were done completely alone? Stay in contact with colleagues, develop relationships with peers in your industry, and get involved in organizations like AMA NJ that help you expand your connections.
Get Out of Your Own Way
Our biggest obstacle when it comes to career growth is usually ourselves. We have self-doubt or fears that prevent us from making the moves necessary to get us to the next level. Sometimes we believe we are underqualified, or we are reluctant to get out of our comfort zone. The new year is a great time for self-reflection so that you can understand where you might be preventing your own success. Achieving your professional goals takes a lot of work, but most of it is overcoming the roadblocks that you put in your own way.
AMA New Jersey provides opportunities for marketers to develop as leaders and professionals in their field. Join us on January 23rd at 6:00 PM in Rutherford, NJ for our first event of 2020: New Year, Next Level- Career Connections! Network with marketing professionals and learn how you can prepare for the next step in your career with our fantastic speakers and recruiters.
Author: Kendra Clarke
