Do you want a promotion, a job change or career change? Getting these things may not be as hard as you think it is. Check out three easy ways to get ahead in your career.
Get Ahead in Your Career
Responsibility
One of the best ways to lay the foundation for career advancement is to prove to key decision makers that you are both dedicated and reliable. How do you do this? Take on extra responsibilities and excel at them.
A good example of this is when employees take on additional projects, support a different department or volunteer at company events. They may not get a pay rise or a promotion for doing this; however, it shows their willingness to help when needed. It also indicates their commitment to the company and their determination to succeed in their careers. In addition, they have experience to add to their resume, so when they do go for a promotion, they will stand out from the crowd.
Before accepting more responsibility, always identify how it will help you advance your career. Will you gain experience in a department you wish to move to? Will you get experience managing people? Or, will you learn new software applications?
It is vital that you consider the benefits and the disadvantages of taking on additional tasks, especially if you are not being paid for them. If you do this constantly, it’s easy to be taken advantage of. You could end up in the unfortunate position of no pay, no recognition and increased personal stress. And you could still be passed over for promotion when the time comes.
Training and qualifications
Another way to get ahead in your career is to get the training and qualifications needed for the position you want. You have to show that you have the knowledge and experience required for the position, as well as the commitment and self-motivation to advance. After all, the sacrifice of cost, time, and effort that you put toward your qualifications is proof that you are committed to your profession for the long haul, and will make an excellent choice for promotion.
For many professions, education and promotion are tied together. This is true for the nursing profession. Lots of folks start out as RNs, or registered nurses. They later take an online RN to BSN degree program, and earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Armed with this degree, they go for higher responsibility and higher paid jobs.
It’s worth noting that the availability of online courses allows professionals to attend classes while they work. While it’s not easy to work and study, it is possible with discipline and a flexible course schedule.
Changing Jobs
Lastly, to truly get ahead in your career it is sometimes necessary to take a gamble. You may have to move to another position in the company that better fits your qualifications. You may have to move to another company where your opportunities are better. Or, you may change careers completely. The best career changes are ones that happen naturally,
A word of warning: a career change isn’t always easy to pull off. First of all, you have to consider the pros and cons of the new position. Secondly, you have to explain these benefits to people close to you that will be affected by your decision. Help them understand why you are giving up a secure position for a less stable one.
Lastly, you have to have faith that the move you are making will allow you to progress in your career and provide work satisfaction that will increase your happiness at work.
What About You?
Have you received a promotion, changed jobs or changed careers recently? Which of the about three things did you do to advance?
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