Once you have graduated and secured your first job, it is time for the real work to begin. Heading to an office, speaking with likeminded business professionals, and working so that you can pay the bills is only half the job. The other half is looking for ways to progress and become the business professional, you have always dreamt of and wish to become.
Career progression is not easy, however. You will need to prove yourself so that you can impress your team leaders and superiors. You will also need to continue educating yourself so that you know the industry inside-out and can apply the latest skills to your everyday duties.
But how can you progress your career so that you can become the business professional you have always aspired to be? Read on for tips on career progression.
Speak to your superiors
The best way to progress your career is to speak to your superior and/or manager. Not only can they offer you advice on what it is they are looking for, but they can also tell you about any upcoming job opportunities within the company and whether they think you are suited to them. Furthermore, speaking to your superiors puts you on their radar. They will know that you are eager to progress and keep a more watchful eye on you and your work ethic.
Remember that good managers and team leaders are there to help their team excel and progress. They will more than likely wish to see you succeed, and if you ask them for advice, they should hopefully give it to you. They may also go one step further and sit with you so that you can come up with a plan of action and create a personal career plan, detailing how you can land the job of your dreams. This level of transparency can be extremely beneficial and help you secure a promotion within the company if you prove yourself.
It is important to schedule time with your team leader and not simply show up at their office. Their time is money, so show that you respect them by organizing a meeting with them. You can do this by sending them an email or a message on Teams or Skype.
Continue to educate yourself
Turning up to work and getting the job done won’t cut it if you wish to excel and progress. Rather, you need to remain knowledge within your field and continue learning about anything new that pops up within your industry. This could be a shift in business operations or the integration of new technology that could disrupt the industry. Either way, you should continue to educate yourself so that you are never caught off-guard and can offer sound advice.
However, one great way to impress and learn business best practices is to return to education and study for an MBA. An MBA is a qualification designed to help business professional excel and strengthen their business prowess (whether they are fresh out of university or have been in the world of business for a few years now). What’s more, there are many options to study for an MBA online so that those who have a job can continue working while also studying on the side. Be sure to look for an online university that focuses on the areas of business that interest you, however. For example, Aston University offers an in-depth online MBA in Canada with four clear pathways for business professionals: entrepreneurship, finance, global business, and organizational development. An online MBA is an effective way to not only prove yourself, but also learn more about business and secure a higher paid and more lucrative position within a company.
Network with business professionals
Reaching out to business professionals you have already built a repertoire with can be extremely helpful in progressing your career. This is because they can offer advice, but also put your name forward for any job openings that they believe you are suited for. Having a well-known business professional high up in your industry is an effective means of getting yourself noticed.
If you are yet to build a network of business professionals, there are ways to help you find likeminded people within your sector. For instance, you can always network by:
- Connecting on LinkedIn
- Following people on Twitter
- Asking your existing circle of friends (they may know someone)
- Speaking to your family
- Increasing your visibility at your current job
- Attending conferences
- Attending social events relevant to your field
- Reaching out to alumni from your high school and/or university
Remember that networking is not for your own personal gain and that it should be a two-way street. You may have to offer something in return, such as a favour for if the other person ever needs a good word within your business’s industry.
Refuse to settle
Never settle for anything less if you firmly believe you can excel and reach your aspirations. Of course, there may be milestones for you to hit while on your way to your main, end goal. But that doesn’t mean you should stop at these milestones.
There will be times when you feel deflated if you fail to secure the job you were going after, but you should use this as fuel to improve yourself. Ask the interviewer what you could have done better to secure the job. Most interviewers are more than happy to offer advice so that you can improve and continue to excel.
Find a Mentor
Find someone who is knowledgeable in your industry and who can help direct you on the right pathway to securing your dream job. A mentor could be a university lecturer you build a good rapport with and who can help you network or coach you on how to conduct yourself at interviews.
Career progression is at the forefront on many business professional’s minds, but that doesn’t mean everyone has the opportunity to progress within their field due to the competition out there. Thankfully, there are ways to help you secure the job of your dreams, such as returning to university.
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