This life is 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 do not 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 today 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. If 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.
- Do not 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 is not 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 is time to invest your efforts in growth and development. Also, a lot of times, career growth comes over dinner so stop rejecting the hangout 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 must learn to take initiative.
- Plan ahead
It is important to plan and keep track of your current role. Always have that goal at the back of your mind to make sure you are setting yourself up for the next job you want.
It is your career, and you have to manage it. Be specific about where you see yourself in the future and be able to communicate that. If you cannot communicate your goals, then no one can help you get there to be in the leadership position toward which you’re working.
What other career secrets have you learnt in the course of your journey so far? Please share so we can all learn something.