Think about career, not just your job

Aug 14th, 2006 | By Bill | Category: Employment News



Think about career, not just your job

Question: I received my MBA and landed a great job.

Now, I am completing my first year with my company and things are going great. How should I plan my career so it continues to advance like I want it to?

Answer: You’re doing the right thing by thinking about your career future now. Too many people concentrate only on doing their jobs well, instead of also thinking about how to do their careers well.

Here are some tips:

• Work quality. Be focused on doing the absolutely best job that you can do. Be creative, resourceful and determined to be the best at what you do.

• Find a mentor. Identify someone in the organization who understands your ambition and can teach you new skills and guide you through the political landscape of the company. He or she should be able give you the advice and counsel you need for years to come.

• Learn, learn, learn. Always stay at the top of your game. Take every opportunity to learn new technologies, management styles, and computer hardware and software.

• Network. Build strong associations with people in and out of your work specialty. Join professional associations and become a leader. Try to get speaking engagements and submit papers.

• Find a headhunter. You will receive calls from recruiters every now and again. You can’t spend all of your time listening to their “unique and wonderful” new jobs, but you should select one or two you feel comfortable with. Make sure they are well-connected and understand your skills and career goals. Help them and they will help you.

• Have a success file. Keep one in your top drawer that documents your achievements and success stories. When you need to prepare a new resume or interview for a big new job, you will be happy you saved proof of your triumphs.

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