Investing in Your Career is a Gift that Will Keep on Giving
During this time of year, there is a focus on giving gifts, finding the “perfect” gift, or the best “cyber sale.” This holiday season as you shop for others, consider giving a gift to yourself by investing in your career. Make a personal commitment to manage yourself and give a gift to yourself this holiday season.
Keep in mind what Dr. Seuss wisely said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.” Now, take a look at four ways you can invest in your career during the holidays.
Four Ways to Invest in Your Career
Invest in your strengths. Weakness, we all have them. However, instead of focusing on your weaknesses, become aware of your natural gifts and strengths. Have people always told you that you have a natural talent for leading? Maybe you are a natural communicator or sales representative? Consider how you will use your natural gifts to take the next step forward in your career.
Never stop learning. Constantly research trends in your industry. You can do this by researching LinkedIn, following conversations among groups of industry leaders, joining associations of industry professionals, or by looking at position descriptions in your chosen field. Knowing industry trends is not enough. Challenge yourself to evaluate whether you are keeping up – do you have the necessary skills, education, certifications, or expertise? If you see a gap, start developing a plan to close it.
Focus on the right relationships. Your professional network and support group should be individuals who inspire and teach you. They should be individuals who can help connect you with others who can help you on your professional journey. People you listen to are a preview of the future you. Are you surrounding yourself with people you aspire to be like?
Invest in your online brand. What will people find if they Google your name? For a refresher on how social media can impact your online brand, visit a previous installment of Lifelete Fundamentals titled Social Media Can Be Helpful to Your Career … Or Not.
This Lifelete Fundamental was powered by Forget Cyber Monday, Focus on Career Investment by Jan Johnson Osburn, Talent Acquisition Executive.
