Whether you’re planning to jet off on an all-inclusive break or caravanning at the seaside, you can build more than just sandcastles this summer.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career, looking to progress in your role or wanting something completely different, you can start building your career this summer.
With careful planning, continued learning, adaptability and some good, old-fashioned hard work, we’ve got the steps you need to get started.
Self-assessment
To get started, you need to identify what your interests, skills, values and goals are. The absolute dream boat is to be in a role that you love, so reflecting on what you enjoy doing is a great place to begin. Having this self-awareness will help you make informed decisions and choose a career path that aligns with your passions and strengths.
Set clear goals
When it comes to setting goals, make them realistic. It’s great to have ambition and big dreams, but setting unrealistic goals can lead to you putting too much pressure on yourself, hating what you do as a result and ultimately reaching burn out before you even get started. Follow the SMART theory and make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
Research and explore
It’s always good to explore the industry or field you’re wanting to pursue. There are endless roles to each industry, roles you may not even know about. Attending industry events is a great way to get to know people with similar interests. Eventbrite is a great website that allows you to filter through events based on location, industry and date.
Develop skills and knowledge
Identify the skills and knowledge required for your desired career path. Take proactive steps to acquire or enhance those skills through various means such as formal education, certifications, workshops, online courses, or practical experience. Continuously invest in your personal and professional development to stay ahead in your field.
Build a professional network
The above point leads us nicely onto this one. Networking isn’t for everyone but in our experience, it’s crucial for building your career. Widening your current network and getting to know new people in your desired area not only provides you with more knowledge and understanding but also ensures that if any opportunities arise, you’ll be at the forefront of their mind.
Create a compelling CV and online presence
If you’re looking to get into a new industry, you’ll want to tailor your existing experience to suit this on your CV. You will have a number of transferrable skills already, so be sure to highlight these. Many people think you edit your CV once and the jobs done. However, we’d recommend looking at the job specification for the role you’re applying and would encourage you to amend your CV to fit what it is they’re looking for.
LinkedIn is also a great online place to get your name out there. Businesses often look at your LinkedIn after you’ve applied for a role, so it’s great preparation to have it refined. If you need any advice on creating a LinkedIn, read our handy guide.
Embrace continuous learning
When you secure your dream role, it’s important to know that the graft doesn’t stop there. There’s always more to know in an industry and striving to learn more about it can open more doors for you and bring more opportunity. This can be done through employee training courses, networking events, webinars and general reading up on industry news.
Adapt and evolve
The most important thing when you’re looking at building career is to be open to adapting and evolving. While some decisions may make you feel uncomfortable, getting out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. Even if this is in baby steps!
Remember, building a successful career is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and continuous effort. Stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and seize opportunities that come your way while remaining true to your values and long-term goals.
If you’re looking to get started on building your career – get in touch today.