By : Robert Half International
As the economy begins to rebound, there may be unique opportunities for you to advance your career, either at your current organization or with a new employer. You don't want these opportunities to pass you by; here are five recommendations for taking advantage of them:
1. Be a leader
As organizations begin to restart projects that were shifted to the back burner during the downturn, they'll need individuals to lead these initiatives. Volunteering for these assignments can be a good way to gain visibility, build new skills and demonstrate your ability to assume more responsibilities.
When opportunities arise,
let your manager know about your interest in them. Even if the project in question isn't the right one for you, he or she may have other assignments in mind that are better suited to your abilities. Just be careful not to get in over your head. Volunteering for extra duties when your plate is already full can cause your performance to suffer, and even lead to burnout.2. Ask for training
Think about how you'd like your career to progress and in which areas you might need to build new skills. For example, if you are an administrative assistant, you might be interested in learning about accounting techniques so you can play a bigger role in managing your department's budget. With economic conditions improving, companies may have more funds to invest in training and professional development opportunities for staff, so be sure to approach your manager first. Make a case for how a particular course, seminar or conference will help you and benefit the company. If few internal opportunities exist, be proactive and seek out training through local educational institutions, professional associations or online providers.
3. Find a mentor
Getting to the next step can be easier with advice from someone who already knows how to get there. Before identifying a mentor, however, make sure you are clear about what your professional goals are and what you hope to gain from the relationship. These factors will determine whom you tap for assistance. For example, if you hope to earn a promotion, you might look to a manager within your firm who has risen through the ranks. If you're interested in switching careers, you might seek the counsel of a networking contact who moved from IT to sales. Ask friends, family and members of your professional network for recommendations.
4. Network
Networking an important component of any job search. But even if you're not looking for a position with a different firm, keep in mind that it still pays to grow your network, especially inside your organization. Expanding your base of contacts can help you identify valuable allies and establish connections that make it easier to secure resources and support. And networking can help you move up the career ladder. According to a study by CareerXroads, internal transfers and promotions accounted for an average of 51 percent of all full-time positions filled in 2009. Making sure you are well known throughout the company could increase your chances of securing one of these opportunities.
5. Keep up with new trends
Those who are best able to advance their careers have their finger on the pulse of the field so they can identify and take advantage of new trends. Remain apprised of developments in your area of specialization by reading industry publications and online articles and blogs. Also consider joining a professional organization. These groups often feature speakers and other thought leaders who can speak about new developments that emerge as business conditions improve. Your research will also help you keep tabs on areas of job growth -- or contraction -- within your industry so you can determine how much promise your current career path has. Think about both the short term and the long term so you always find yourself in the right place -- ahead of the curve.
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