There are some people who are lucky enough to have incredible career opportunities handed to them. But the reality is, these people are a very rare find. For the majority of us, it takes time and energy to build up to an amazing career, so there’s no point sitting around waiting for things to happen – you have to make it happen for yourself.

Making an action plan for your career is a great place to start. By setting out to achieve different goals throughout the year, you can take some positive steps towards achieving your career ambitions.

Here are 10 steps you can take towards improving your career this year.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

1. Draw a roadmap

To help you improve your career, a roadmap of what you want to achieve and the steps you’ll need to take to get there, will give you something to aim for. 

You should look to set both long and short-term goals for your career. Your goals should be realistic and flexible to account for change. Remind yourself of your goals regularly and remember to review them. 

2. Discuss opportunities with your employer

Progressing your career through your current employer is one way to help you move up the ladder. A good employer should be able to support your career goals and help guide you through them. Have a discussion with your manager about the opportunities that are available and discuss the steps needed to get there. 

By looking for opportunities with your current employer, you’re showing commitment and dedication to the business that could lead to further opportunities in the future.

3. Network with others in the industry

Networking is a great way to make contacts within your industry, seek out career opportunities and is a valuable way to get advice too. So much more than handing out business cards, networking can open a lot of doors. There are some simple ways to network, including LinkedIn and connecting with your college alumni network. The thought of networking can feel daunting, but it’s a good way to get yourself out there – especially if you’re in the early stages of your career.

4. Improve your productivity

If you’re serious about taking your career further, then you need to make sure you’re at the top of your game. Improving your productivity is one way that you can do this. Limiting distractions, including technology, and taking a more organized approach to your work can help you achieve more in less time, giving you more time to dedicate to achieving your career goals. 

5. Continue to educate yourself

It’s important to continue learning even after college is over. Learning keeps your mind sharp and focused, but the additional skills and knowledge you learn can also help you with your career.

An MBA is a popular route for professionals looking to develop their career. The best online MBA program will allow you to learn while working to make it an affordable and achievable way of earning your degree. Additional degrees and courses can help bulk up your resume, while dedicating time to further learning also looks attractive to prospective employers.

6. Consider a side hustle to broaden your horizons

If you’re unsure of your current career path, want to earn some extra money or explore your passion, then a side hustle could be the way forward. You can start your side hustle alongside your day job as a way to build up some skills and add to your salary. Some people find that their side hustles turn into a full-time venture, so you never know where it might lead.

7. Find a mentor

Having a mentor is a valuable way of getting help with your career long-term. There are a lot of benefits of working with a mentor, especially one within your own industry. They can provide you with advice and guidance and share their own experiences, helping you build confidence in yourself and give you some direction. Many businesses offer internal mentorship schemes, or you could search for willing mentors elsewhere to help you get the guidance and support you need for your career.

8. Push yourself out of your comfort zone

Developing in your career requires taking on new challenges and pushing yourself. By undertaking tasks that are out of your comfort zone, you can learn new skills and get some new achievements under your belt. Think about the types of questions you could be asked at your next interview – what experience can help you impress your interviewer? Don’t be afraid to volunteer to help out with new projects, or shadow someone else while you learn. 

9. Practice interview techniques

There aren’t many people who can say they enjoy interviews but getting some practice in can be valuable to help you nail your next interview. Whether you work on common interview questions or discuss your technique with a recruitment expert, practicing interview techniques can help you grow in confidence and feel more prepared when it comes to your next interview.

10. Monitor your performance regularly

Self-evaluation is important for helping you assess your strengths and weaknesses, as well as measure your progress against your goals. Regular performance reviews can help you stay on track, as well as help you remember your key achievements. If you wait until the end of the year to do this, you’ll likely forget a lot of what you’ve done – so a quarterly review (at least) can help you stay on track. Thinking about your achievements and what you’ve learned can be an effective way of keeping you motivated, especially if you feel like you’re stalling or underperforming.

Improving your career requires focus and planning, but if you’re serious about making things happen for yourself, you need to get to work. From creating a career path to focusing on enhancing your skills and experience, there are many steps you can take to give more focus to your career. Take action now and by the end of the year, you could reach new heights with your career.