Published: The Hindu
On: October 27, 2010
At: Hyderabad, India
To read The Hindu's online version, click here.
Careers don't just happen, not by accident or by luck. There is a lot of commitment involved in setting and achieving goals, and accepting new challenges. The changing work place demands that you design your own career path. Often, it may not be an upward move, sometimes, you need to make a lateral move first and then an upward move.
Here are ten effective strategies to incorporate into your career advancement plan:
Develop professionalism: Professional work behaviour along with appropriate appearance will go a long way toward career success.
• Dress successfully; even on casual days.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Don't indulge in gossip.
• If you don't like someone, don't let it show.
• Don't hold grudges.
• Ask for help when you need it, before things get worse.
• Share the credit.
• Exhibit flexibility. Be open to the views of others.
Acquire skills: It goes without saying that furthering your education is a great way to advance your career. Even if going back to school is not an option, read as much as you can to gain knowledge. Reading as simple as trades magazines can be useful to you while chatting with your boss. Knowing about the industry trends can make you an asset in his eyes. Be proactive in learning new skills and getting cross trained in multiple job areas.
Create opportunities: Big or small opportunities within and outside the department shows your readiness to engage in a difficult assignment. Your energy and creativity will be seen by people who are always looking out for enterprising leaders.
Build rapport: Develop a good relationship with your boss that rewards both financially, and builds your respect in his eyes. Use all opportunities to make him a key supporter in your promotion. Know what's important to him; pay attention to his style of working. Strive to be on time, present yourself professionally and do the extra mile in the varying difficulties at work, are some of the ways you can build a bond with your boss.
Network effectively: Networking is an ongoing process that can expand your horizons. Build a network of partners to keep an open eye and ear for new opportunities for you. Share knowledge, make recommendations and build trust. Help others achieve what they want and they in turn will help you achieve your goal. An added benefit of networking is that you will gain knowledge of your company and other departments.
Be visible: Be on top of the mind of your employer. The more visible you are, the better you will establish yourself as a subject matter expert, which will instantly elevate you to a desirable position. Use blogs, bylined articles, self-published books, social networks, surveys and other complimentary or cost-effective Internet vehicles to get the word out. Likewise, forum posts; newsletters; press releases; and free stories written for leading industry publications in exchange for a published link or personal bio can all make handy self-promotions.
Find a mentor: The adage of “It's who you know” is a relatively true expression. Mentors spread the good word about you. They are an excellent source of information and career guidance. Some companies have formal mentoring programs. Even if your company does not have such program, you can develop relationships with people in higher positions in your company. Think of a mentor as a personal business coach who guides you along the bumpy path of the corporate world.
Team player: Look beyond your piece of work and care about the team's overall work. As a good team player demonstrate reliability, communicate effectively and function as an active participant. Share your information, knowledge and experience with the rest of the team thereby increasing your value in the organization.
Track record: When a position becomes available within a company, often the human resource department looks for an employee already working for the company rather than outside applicants. An employee with a memorable track record is bound to be on top of the list. Keep a detailed record of your past performances that enhances the company's bottom line.
Be open: One of the most effective ways to move up is to ask for more responsibility. Volunteer to take on assignments from within or other departments. Accomplishing them successfully puts the spotlight on you and adds your value to the organisation.
If you develop your attitude in tune with these points you can be sure you will move towards bright career.
On: October 27, 2010
At: Hyderabad, India
To read The Hindu's online version, click here.
Careers don't just happen, not by accident or by luck. There is a lot of commitment involved in setting and achieving goals, and accepting new challenges. The changing work place demands that you design your own career path. Often, it may not be an upward move, sometimes, you need to make a lateral move first and then an upward move.
Here are ten effective strategies to incorporate into your career advancement plan:
Develop professionalism: Professional work behaviour along with appropriate appearance will go a long way toward career success.
• Dress successfully; even on casual days.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Don't indulge in gossip.
• If you don't like someone, don't let it show.
• Don't hold grudges.
• Ask for help when you need it, before things get worse.
• Share the credit.
• Exhibit flexibility. Be open to the views of others.
Acquire skills: It goes without saying that furthering your education is a great way to advance your career. Even if going back to school is not an option, read as much as you can to gain knowledge. Reading as simple as trades magazines can be useful to you while chatting with your boss. Knowing about the industry trends can make you an asset in his eyes. Be proactive in learning new skills and getting cross trained in multiple job areas.
Create opportunities: Big or small opportunities within and outside the department shows your readiness to engage in a difficult assignment. Your energy and creativity will be seen by people who are always looking out for enterprising leaders.
Build rapport: Develop a good relationship with your boss that rewards both financially, and builds your respect in his eyes. Use all opportunities to make him a key supporter in your promotion. Know what's important to him; pay attention to his style of working. Strive to be on time, present yourself professionally and do the extra mile in the varying difficulties at work, are some of the ways you can build a bond with your boss.
Network effectively: Networking is an ongoing process that can expand your horizons. Build a network of partners to keep an open eye and ear for new opportunities for you. Share knowledge, make recommendations and build trust. Help others achieve what they want and they in turn will help you achieve your goal. An added benefit of networking is that you will gain knowledge of your company and other departments.
Be visible: Be on top of the mind of your employer. The more visible you are, the better you will establish yourself as a subject matter expert, which will instantly elevate you to a desirable position. Use blogs, bylined articles, self-published books, social networks, surveys and other complimentary or cost-effective Internet vehicles to get the word out. Likewise, forum posts; newsletters; press releases; and free stories written for leading industry publications in exchange for a published link or personal bio can all make handy self-promotions.
Find a mentor: The adage of “It's who you know” is a relatively true expression. Mentors spread the good word about you. They are an excellent source of information and career guidance. Some companies have formal mentoring programs. Even if your company does not have such program, you can develop relationships with people in higher positions in your company. Think of a mentor as a personal business coach who guides you along the bumpy path of the corporate world.
Team player: Look beyond your piece of work and care about the team's overall work. As a good team player demonstrate reliability, communicate effectively and function as an active participant. Share your information, knowledge and experience with the rest of the team thereby increasing your value in the organization.
Track record: When a position becomes available within a company, often the human resource department looks for an employee already working for the company rather than outside applicants. An employee with a memorable track record is bound to be on top of the list. Keep a detailed record of your past performances that enhances the company's bottom line.
Be open: One of the most effective ways to move up is to ask for more responsibility. Volunteer to take on assignments from within or other departments. Accomplishing them successfully puts the spotlight on you and adds your value to the organisation.
If you develop your attitude in tune with these points you can be sure you will move towards bright career.
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