Career building has become a lifelong process. The days when everyone followed predictable career trajectories are over. There are no longer even traditional templates for building a career anymore as industries vanish,  change and appear within just a few years. Today, for better or worse, you’re in charge. Here are seven quick tips to remember while you plot your course.

1. Always be a Student

Never, ever stop learning. Conventional wisdom holds that if your skills are static, so is your job. Career building requires self-improvement and continual training.

As good as this advice was years ago, when we just had to remember to maintain a student’s willingness to learn and improve ourselves, now we have no choice. The world changes so quickly now that everyone literally must learn or be left in the dust.

2. Be a Good Listener

An active listener doesn’t just passively listen but engages the speaker. Remember that there is always more information than is immediately offered, and it’s up to you to find it. Listening closely will always create questions in your mind, so ask them. People love to asked for their opinion, so it pays to encourage them to share their advice. Career building is a lot easier with other people rooting for you.

3. Do a Good Job

If you’re looking for a new position, another step in the career-building process, don’t forget your current one. It’s often easier to advance within an organization than to enter and establish yourself in a new one. Do your job to the best of your ability. No job is beneath you if you really apply yourself.

Be proactive about improving your work. Be tactful when suggesting improvements, but don’t be shy. Show that you’ve got a lot more to contribute than your basic duties.

4. Remember Your Network

Your network is the most important career-building tool you have. Always keep it in mind when working with others and meeting new people. Think of ways to help others if you might need their help one day.

5. Keep an Evaluation Schedule

If you’ve been in one position for a while, it’s time to take action, not coast. Treat your position as if it were new, and make sure that others know what you’re building and achieving, not simply maintaining.

Check in with your supervisor often to align priorities and expectations. People tend to make assumptions, especially in a familiar situation. Stay in control of your own career, building a strong reputation.

6. Be Prepared

You can’t take advantage of opportunities you’re not prepared for. Keep up on your work even when you don’t have to, because you never know what might come up that you’ll need time for. Update your resume often.

7. Today’s the Day

Don’t let a comfortable situation drag on if you know you want more. Career building isn’t something that happens when you find time–take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, and know that nothing is achieved without taking risks.

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