Whether you are starting your first career or you are repositioning yourself in a new field, you understandably are starting at the bottom of the ladder. Some people never progress far above that level, but others reach the top echelons of the success in their field. Developing a strategy to progress can help you to work your way to the desired position in a timely manner, and these are some of the factors that should be incorporated into your strategy to improve your chance for success.
Focus on Skills Development
In many fields, expertise in a position is characterized by superior skills. While you may have basic skills that require you to work for someone else today, you may improve your skills to a level that you can launch your own business and have greater control over your professional life. Even if you continue to work for someone else, you may eventually obtain a managerial or supervisory role through advanced skills. True mastery of some skills may take years to achieve, so now is the ideal time to get started.
Obtain an Advanced Degree
To advance in your field, you likely also need to expand your professional knowledge in a classroom setting. Some positions are only available to those who have the highest level of education available or an advanced certification. To determine if additional education would benefit you, analyze the requirements for the next few positions that you want to step up to. Position yourself to obtain the qualifications required for advancement by beginning your education soon.
Focus on Wellness
Personal wellness should not be overlooked as you focus on professional advancement. Your health impacts your emotional stability and mental well-being. It also affects your personal image, self-confidence, focus and cognitive abilities. If you have any underlying conditions that may be affecting your wellness, seek treatment today. For example, poor sleep caused by a sleeping disorder can impair mental and physical health, and sleep apnea doctors may provide an effective treatment to improve your wellness and quality of life.
Getting your foot in the door with an entry-level job is a great starting point, but it understandably may not be where you want to stay. To advance steadily, you must always look a step or two ahead. Keep in mind that it can take years to obtain qualifications to step up to the next level, so you must begin preparing for the next level today.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.