You're looking to advance your career. What are the best strategies for making it happen?

Before you can create strategies to advance your career, you'll want clarity on what career advancement means to you. It has a different meaning for everyone. Does it mean moving up to a Manager, Director, etc? Does it mean pursuing skills outside of your existing experience? Does it mean becoming a Mentor? There's are just a few examples to show that career advancement doesn't have to be looked at as linearly as it once was. Once you have that clarity, you can evaluate your strengths and gaps related to the route you're looking to take and a plan can begin to be formed. This could involve networking, upskilling, training, taking on bigger scoped work, etc.

To advance your career, set clear goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Continuously seek learning opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. Network with industry professionals and seek mentorship. Stay adaptable and open to new challenges. Advocate for yourself and seek out opportunities for growth. Be proactive in seeking feedback and refining your approach. Stay persistent and resilient in pursuing your career goals.

Para avanzar en tu carrera, enfócate en desarrollar habilidades relevantes, establece y persigue metas claras, construye y nutre una red de contactos profesionales, busca oportunidades de liderazgo y proyectos desafiantes, y mantén una actitud de aprendizaje continuo y adaptabilidad.

Just learning new skills may not be sufficient to advance your career. Practical application of those skills maybe required by your current or prospective organization and yet within your company there is no assignment available to use your new skills. If you can commit the time, look for opportunities in the non-profit area where you can hone your new skills.

As an introvert, the word "networking" used to stress me completely out. But I learned that while all of my extrovert colleagues were stressing a large network, my superpower as an introvert was a quality network. Your network should add value. Include those who can mentor you, challenge you, and champion you. As you progress through your career, maintain contact with your past colleagues and leaders. Don't be shy about reaching out when needed. Keep them informed with what's going on and what you are looking for, while doing the same for them. Creating a reciprocal relationship will only make connection more valuable.

I'm biased, but get a coach! Coaches can turn decades into days. They provide insights, accountability, mental shifts, and support to help you get where you need to go. Investing in yourself is the best investment you'll ever make!

The best strategy for advancing your career is to stay relevant, have a people strategy, and be a leader people trust and want to follow. Staying relevant means having the skills and tools to be best in your industry and work with your specific customers. Make sure that you are continuing to learn and grow side-by-side with the talent around you. Having a people strategy means exceptional communication, understanding, and working closely with key people with a positive, growth mindset. It’s crucial to be intentionally connected in your industry and organization. Lastly, and most important, people have to trust you. Not only to work with you, but also for you to work for them. They have to see you building teams and leading people well.