Looking to step up on your professional path in 2024? The new year is the best possible time to reflect on your career, where you are, and where you would like to be. Moving up on the corporate ladder (or whichever ladder you happen to be climbing) will only happen if you make it a goal.
If you are tired of feeling stuck and ready to make some new moves, here are four simple steps you can follow to boost your career and get a little closer to where you want to end up.
Assess Who You Are
First of all, knowing yourself is crucial. When it comes to your work, you need to know how it aligns with your interests, passions, strengths, weaknesses, and how you perceive things.
Taking a personality test is an easy first step you can take towards getting to know yourself better and using this information to plan your career moves. Personality tests can help you learn how your brain works and why, and understand the difference between introverted and extraverted personality traits, which play a huge role in the types of jobs you will excel in.
Assess Your Current Position
Next, ask yourself some questions to reflect on your career. Consider your current position, industry, and the company you work for. Do you feel like they are a good fit for you now that you have had a deep dive into your personality type?
Think about how long it took you to move into the position you are in and remember everything you have achieved since you started working. Give yourself a pat on the back, but don’t forget to be introspective and even a little critical. If you are not passionate about the work you are doing, you might want to consider a change. If you love the work but you are feeling stuck, it might be time for some personal development.
Develop Skills For Career Growth
Whether you want to pivot your career entirely or simply feel ready to push the boundaries a little to progress, skills development should be on your radar for 2024.
Learning new skills or improving on the ones you already have can be great for both your CV and your work performance. You could look into continuing your education with a part-time degree or diploma, or even just do some extra learning on your own time. Doing online courses is usually very affordable or even free, depending on what it is you are trying to learn.
Build A Professional Network
We all know by now that in business, it is not what you know but rather who you know. If you are typically an introverted, keep-to-yourself type, it might be time to break out of your comfort zone and start making some contacts.
Attending work gatherings, conferences, or even larger events within your industry is a great way to meet and mingle with people who might have opportunities for you down the line. Even simply speaking up more and taking initiative in the office is a great way to build up your image and nurture your work relationships.
