Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow – Doug Firebaugh
You have a job and earn money. However, that doesn't make you feel comfortable enough because you are hardworking and smart, but also very ambitious. You value your experience and knowledge and you want to accomplish more in your career, and yet you feel like you are not making any progress. In the meantime, you can help noticing how your co-workers and friends from college have advanced big time in their area of expertise.
So, you have started to put some thought on how to build your career. For starters, the key thing you need to do is figure out what is your passion and purpose. Sit down and ask yourself: What it is that you feel passionate about? What it is that you are looking for to accomplish in the next phase of your life? Let passion and interest be your driving force in career building.
Although it is necessary to spend some time to rest after work, we tend to over watch TV or do other irrelevant things that lower our productivity. Therefore, instead of watching reality shows, start thinking of useful habits you can adopt to progress in the professional field. Surprisingly, there are so many simple and easy activities one can do after of work to help become more knowledgeable and still enjoy your free time.
To help set you your own way, allow us to introduce you to some important and practical tips.
Search the Internet for online courses
Have you heard of the so-called MOOCs? These are Massive Open Online Courses aimed at delivering open access to educational videos via various online platforms to all kinds of people from worldwide who want to improve certain skills, brush up on something already learned, or learn new skills for personal and professional purposes. On such platforms learners are able to enroll in the desired course and watch filmed lectures, take part in forum discussions, become familiar to useful readings and create subject –related writing on their own. Those courses are authorized by some of the most prestigious worldwide universities. Unlike university study, these courses are a lot cheaper so many people can afford them.
Keep track on the news
Whether you work in the public sector or elsewhere, getting regular news updates can be essential for your career progress. There is always the chance that you learn something important that could affect your job. Being well-informed puts you one step ahead of everyone at the office, including your boss. Plus, if the news is bad, you will have time to consider other options that are of your best interest. Also, news can help you predict a raise of a new trend on the market or skills that will be of high demand in the next years.
Read more educational materials
Whether it is non-fiction books, magazines, or articles on the Web, always make time to read something meaningful. Although many would say that most articles on the Internet are biased, deceitful and less valuable, they are wrong. Yes, there are many posts that are not worth your time, but also there are places where one can benefit a lot. The key is to know where to look for. Aim for peer review journals and authorized websites where the information is delivered by experts.
Continue your academic study
You already have a Bachelor’s Degree, congratulations, but don’t you want to be prouder with yourself? Then set higher academic goals like earning a Master’s degree. What better way to improve your expertise and advance in career than this, right?
Explore job advertisements
Even if you are not currently looking for a new job, it is advisable that you pay a regular visit on job boards only to stay informed on what is going on the market. Thus, you'll know what skills are in demand and how much does companies pay for an employee with your experience.
Final words
You are the master of your own destiny, Napoleon said once. This leads to the assertion that it is on you to decide what it is that you want to do. We are constant students in the School of Life. Therefore, you should never stop improving your skills. Keep researching for new areas of interests and follow your passions. The more you learn, the closer you will be to reaching your full potential. And never fool yourself that you know everything.
