Top 7 tips for Career Development of Quality Professionals

“Responsibility for your career development lies on your shoulders. Go and make it happen”

The people whose careers seem to grow the fastest follow similar patterns of behavior. They understand competition exists, and they understand who is responsible. They take charge of their career and accept full responsibility for their growth. There are 7 critical success factors for career development:

1. Build your Dream: It is very important to think about your dream and the vision for your own life and career. You need to think of it as a whole. You cannot distinguish between your personal and your professional life. You only have one life and you need to define your goals and ambitions. These may change over time and that’s perfectly fine. But without goals nothing can be achieved.

2. Believe in Yourself: As your skills increase, you gain more experience and a clearer understanding your significance to your organization. Believing in yourself, your skills, and your ability to succeed are critical success factors for your career development. And never forget the people who have helped you along the way.

3. Never Stop Learning: A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills. Take specific actions to improve your skills.

4. Sharpen your People Skills: Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and co-workers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.

5. Expand your Network: Strengthen your personal network by attending industry conferences and joining professional associations. Meeting people who work in your prospective field can give you valuable insight into what life is like in that career.

6. Find a Mentor: Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside of your company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.

7. Stop Telling & Start Selling: Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally.