The new year has arrived, and you have big plans for it. You know you want to make major career strides in 2020, but you’re not quite sure what that involves.
Taking the time to make well-planned career moves is a must because you don’t want to end up somewhere that doesn’t make you happy. Here’s some advice to help you create a plan of action that will guide you to a place of success by the year’s end.
Consider Your Likes and Dislikes
You probably spend at least 40 hours per week at work, so you should be doing something you enjoy. Figure out what you’re truly passionate about by taking inventory of what you like and dislike about your job. This will help you know what to look for in your new position — and what to avoid.
Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Vague goals are made to be broken. Set yourself up for success by making your goals S.M.A.R.T. — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This format creates a sense of accountability that makes you more likely to see each objective through.
For example, saying you want to increase your skills in 2020 is nice, but specifically noting that you want to take a Microsoft Excel course by April leaves no room for slacking.
Recognize Your Transferrable Skills
If the career path you’re currently on isn’t where you ultimately want to be, you might feel overwhelmed about starting over from scratch — but you’re not. Plenty of the skills from your current job and those you’ve held in the past are transferrable. Make a list of the skills you have and compare them to the skills needed for your desired career path. Circle those that overlap and use them as a base from which to build.
Make Learning a Priority
Knowledge is power, so take advantage of every learning opportunity available to you. Seek out relevant professional development opportunities — i.e., conferences, classes, lunch, and learns — and attend as many as possible. Every skill you learn can be added to your resume, further increasing your marketability.
Focus on Networking
Who you know can make a world of difference in your career. If you’re not already doing it, make a point to network more in 2020. Join a professional association, attend networking events, and reconnect with contacts from your past. You never know who might be able to connect you with your next big break.
Want to find your dream job in 2020? Malone Workforce Solutions is here to assist. Contact us today to take control of your future!
