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Be proactive, mastermind career success
Arun has just completed his MBA and started out on his first job. Lot of advice was pouring in from his friends and relatives regarding how to achieve high professional success within a short span of time. Some suggested that he should hop jobs frequently and leap to higher positions with every jump. Some others suggested that loyalty towards the organisation is crucial to career success and loyal employees have a better chance of moving up the corporate ladder. While some
advised him to maintain good relations with the supervisors to taste quick success, others said in order to go places he has to expand his network of contacts.
Arun was utterly confused as to what was the best way to embark on a progressive career path as each of these contrasting ideas looked absolutely rational in their own right. If you are facing a similar dilemma listen to what the experts have to say in this regard:
Employers definitely place a premium on loyalty but the very definition of loyalty is fast changing. In this era of fierce talent wars, employees switch jobs with relative ease and take charge of their own progression and development. Employers no longer link long service to loyalty. Employers want their employees to work with full commitment as long as they are with them. Therefore all you have to do is to show that you are loyal to a company by exceeding their expectations with your outstanding performance. Frequent changes keep your learning curve high and sustain your passion for work. Ensure that at each position you learn a demonstrable set of skills. To prevent employers from prejudging you as an aimless job hopper, state with conviction in your CV what has motivated you to switch jobs and what you have gained in the bargain.
There is an old management maxim, “Get along with your boss and you will get ahead in your career.” The maxim is absolutely true because finding a mentor in your organisation can give your career a rock solid foundation.
Also building a professional and personal network helps you hear about opportunities. A vibrant network makes finding the right jobs that much easier.
While the experts seem to agree that all the above mentioned routes lead you to success there are certain must dos to help you thrive in your chosen path. Here are some strategies that will surely put your career on a fast track:
Focus on learning: Do not wait for your boss or your organisation to identify and sponsor your training needs. Take responsibility for your own learning and skill enhancement.
Analyse your strengths: Find out what you do best and look for opportunities to shine in those areas. Be specific about what you want to be and hone your skills in that direction. Earn certifications in your niche areas.
Learn to be a go -getter: Develop the reputation of being an achiever. Earn the trust of your boss as the most reliable person who can get the job done by overcoming all obstacles.
Match jobs with career plan: Choose jobs and projects with care. See that each job helps you develop and use skills in such a way as to further your career plans.
Learn from your colleagues: Be open to new ideas. Pick up clues on how to be more creative, innovative and proactive from your colleagues who are highly successful.
Find opportunities to excel: Go beyond the call of the duty and help your boss solve burning issues. Solving the right problems create opportunities to get recognised. Your talents when well recognised help you move up the career ladder.
Never get bored: Sustain the passion for your work. Never let the job become stale. Look for new ways of accomplishing things. Expand your horizons, take on new responsibilities, and delegate some routine jobs to others in order to sustain the passion for your job. Passion for work can alone help you reach desired heights in your career.
Communicate effectively: Assertiveness is vital for career success. Articulate your ideas and opinions well to make an impact in your organisation.
Whether you change jobs or stay put in an organisation be proactive and never lose focus on your career aspirations.
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N. PURNIMA SRIKRISHNA
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