Career Development Tips

Career development includes any way in which you want to change your job situation or improve your working life. This could mean finding yourself a better position within the company or changing career altogether.

Here are a few tips for moving your career on in one way or another:

Be Visible for Promotion

While most people assume career development means you need to start handing out CV’s it is possible to change career within the company you already work for – often there are opportunities you are just simply unaware of. Making your employer aware that you would like a change within your working life might be a good idea. You should also make extra effort to appear well dressed and arrive at work early – if your supervisors notice this you are more likely to be considered for promotion. Be positive and enthusiastic about your job and be well prepared for all meetings and issues which might arise in the day. Finally you should under-promise and over-deliver.

Timing is Everything

Timing is very important if you are definitely moving away from the company. Choose a time when the job market in your industry is doing well and there is plenty of cash in your pocket – quitting before receiving a bonus is not a very smart move.

Accept a Pay Cut

While this sounds quite unlike what you’d want from career development it is sometimes required to earn more in the long run. If you are moving company or career path you are likely to be paid less than you do currently – this is because you may need time to become familiar within a new industry or role. While this is not ideal it can work to your benefit, especially if you are moving to a company which is known for fast-tracking management potential.

Education

Education provides “future proofing” for your job and prospects, it also gives you another angle to sell yourself with. You may want to return to school or university to gain advanced qualifications in a relevant field or completely retrain and find a separate discipline. Often an employer will pay for your education if it appears to be relevant to your current or future position.

Equally, for those who wish to have a break from the world of work, returning to university might be a good idea – this requires a complete shift of time, money and circumstances in most cases so it should be considered long and hard before the final decision is made.