If somebody asked you where you want to be in 5 or 10 years’ time, what would you say? Have you got your life mapped out? Do you have objectives like buying a house or settling down, or are you eager to climb the career ladder or try and land your dream job? Many of us have a rough plan in our heads, but it’s not always easy to turn ideas into a reality. If you have career goals in mind, but you’re not quite sure how to achieve them, you’ve come to the right place!
Sometimes, people grow up with a dream job in mind, but it’s much more common to go through school, college and your first few jobs without really knowing what you want. If you’ve got to the point where you know you want more than your current job is offering you, now is the time to think about where you want to go, and how you’re going to get there. Do you want to take on more responsibility, are you after a raise, or do you want to try something different? Once you have a target in mind, you can set about trying to reach it. Be proactive if you want to change career, and be confident in the belief that it’s never too late to change your mind, go back to school or try something new.
Set milestones along the way
Often, we are encouraged to dream big, but goals are much more achievable when you break them down. Consider the ultimate endpoint as becoming the CEO as an example. That isn’t going to happen overnight if you’ve just graduated or you’ve only been at the firm for a few months. Rather than focusing on that role, set yourself milestones along the way. The first point may be to line manage one person with the next goal taking over a team, for example.
Make yourself a better candidate
If you have designs on a promotion, you want to change career, or you’re keen to take on a more senior role at a different company, it’s beneficial to aim for continual improvement. You want your current employer or a prospective boss to view you as the best candidate. Don’t rest on your laurels or get too comfortable. Look out for courses you can take, improve and expand your skill set, and take advantage of training opportunities. Taking a course in project management and making time for PM Exam prep will stand you in good stead if you’re looking to demonstrate practical skills, leadership, and commitment to your career, for example. If you feel like you’re not getting the opportunities to progress in your current role, don’t hesitate to talk to your employer, and keep an eye out for openings that would give you the chance to better yourself.
Be confident
Sometimes, the only thing standing in your way is yourself. If you don’t believe that you’re good enough to get a new job or take on a better-paid role, you’re going to struggle to convince an employer to give you a shot. Be confident in your own abilities, and stay positive. Often, it’s impossible to get to the top without suffering a few knockbacks or rejections. Learn from every experience, and don’t give up if the route doesn’t run as smoothly as you hoped.
If you have career goals, it’s always a good idea to take steps to make them more obtainable. Hopefully, you’ll find these tips helpful. Good luck!
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