What can you do to get ahead in your career?

Getting ahead in your career is an ongoing process, it’s not just about chasing a specific role or opportunity. The groundwork for a successful career is put in place every day in the workplace. Here are some of our suggestions for ways that you can put yourself in the best position possible to climb the career ladder.

Take on opportunities to learn

There are always strings that you can add to your bow in the workplace. It may be something as small as the chance to develop new skills on piece of computer software or as large as a professional development qualification. Always be on the lookout for those opportunities. Furthermore, key decision makers in your organisation will be impressed by the commitment to your own development and self-improvement.

Make friends and network

It’s not always what you know, it’s who you know. We’ve all heard that phrase before. Having contacts that can provide you with new opportunities, or even just advice, can be of a real benefit throughout a career.

Take part in networking events, keep in touch with fellow learners on courses and attend large events and expos to meet professionals from within your industry.

Find a way to stand out from the crowd

Having a specific area of knowledge or expertise can help you stand out from the crowd. That may be some additional knowledge on the use of integral software, knowledge of a relevant industry or skills from a previous role that could come in useful throughout your career. Don’t be afraid to share the experiences and skills that you have picked up along the way to your current position.

Be dependable

Being a reliable and effective member of your organisation will open doors for you in your career. You will be trusted to deliver your work to a high standard, and on time, which will in turn give your colleagues and managers trust that they can rely you to take on important projects.

The most important thing you can do in your career is to ensure that when you have put your name to a piece of work or project, it is completed on time and well. This is true of small tasks as well as large projects. The best way to do this is to make sure your objectives and timescales are clearly defined before you begin.

Gain a reputation as a team player

By supporting your colleagues where they need help you can create a positive environment in the workplace. This will also mean that you have colleagues that are willing to lend a hand when you find yourself in need. A positive and collaborative team environment can also be beneficial to you as an individual.

Want to accelerate your career with a professional qualification? Find out more about our courses in HR, management, project management, property agency and property law here.