Life is actually so funny, in school you are told to put your head down, read, for girls- do not follow boys, for boys- do not follow girls. Face your books don’t do Facebook and although that advise at that point was important, that is not all you need to move forward especially career-wise. There are certain secrets which you just take no classes on, here are some;
- Social media skills
The importance of social media cannot be overemphasized, especially in this day and age where almost everything happens online. Social media can take your career to the next level, if your organisation does not have a social media presence, you can propose to handle the social media for the company which can show your colleagues skills they did not know you had. If done well, it also makes you an invaluable tool to your employers. In addition to understanding social media, also have a better handle on graphics and video creation, as well as things like hashtags that have just been a part of our lives for years. Any employer can easily see the long-term benefits of using social media to grow their company and expand their clientele. As long as a person has basic computer skills and can run circles around online interaction across multiple social media accounts, then employers will look more favourably upon that job candidate than a person who has no social media presence whatsoever.
- Don’t whine about your mistakes, learn from them
Instead of complaining and grumbling over your mistakes, or feeling victimised, learn and grow from them. Acknowledge where you have gone wrong and seek to develop and improve yourself better.
- If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss:
You know how your teacher had the task of explaining things to you and making sure you have learnt what is in the syllabus and preparing you for exams. Having a boss isn’t the same thing, they do not have the time to pander to your wants and needs, if you aren’t getting the job done, they simply look for someone more capable.
- Networking
Building strong relationships with others is one of the best things people can do for their careers. But finding and maintaining connections takes time, so direct your efforts to where they will be most profitable makes sense. It’s time to invest your efforts in growth and development. Also a lot of times, career growth comes over cups of wine and dinner so stop rejecting the drink offers after work.
- Creativity and Initiative
Always have a sense of productiveness and pace in your work and actions you take every day to be successful. Don’t wait for anything just go for it and you shall become the one you see in your vision. Be proactive and take more actions, think less and wait less. You have to learn to take initiative.
- Plan ahead
It’s important to plan and keep track of your current role. Always have that goal at the back of your mind to make sure you’re setting yourself up for the next job you want.
What career secrets do you know now that nobody taught you?
Yomi Olusunle
Brands and Digital Innovation