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We live in a world where career development is arguably the most difficult it has ever been when comparing it to previous years or even decades. Professional competition is at an all-time high with people constantly looking at ways to improve their skills, education, and experience to help progress their career at a pace that pleases them. The speed of career progression differs for everyone, but how so? There are similar patterns of behaviour when you look at people whose career tends to grow faster; here’s the main difference. They understand that competition exists, what they want from a development perspective and they take responsibility for their growth. Never stop investing in yourself and your career development; here are tips to help you along the way.

1). Believe in yourself

I know, a little cliché but it’s true. Along your journey of career development and progression, there will always be hurdles, obstacles, constant challenges, and even heartbreak. But’s important to never forget your worth and what you’re capable of. You are a determined person that wants to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even during the toughest of times, stay strong, focused and remember your goals.

2).  Set and keep track of your goals

Just like anything we want to achieve in life, it’s important we set goals but not just long term goals, try to break them down into small milestones. Not only will this help you keep motivated as you can see results in the short term, but it also helps you stay on track in achieving your end goal. Try not to focus on a timeframe as much as the results themselves. Yes, we all want to achieve results quickly but if you don’t achieve them in the desired timeframe, it may leave you disappointed and unmotivated to continue.

3). Never stop learning

Knowledge is key, along with continuously learning new skills to develop. Stay on top of the technology and trends in your field. Look for new opportunities for training, courses, and any education that can help you learn these specific skills that can help you excel in your field. You will stand out from the crowd if you acquire skills that many businesses desire.

4). Utilize the benefits you have

Many organizations depending on size may provide a variety of benefits whether it will be free online courses, internal mentors, or the ability to attend workshops or conferences. If you have such benefits at your disposal, there is absolutely no harm in you utilizing all the resources that are available to you to help you grow and learn.

5). Always be open to new opportunities

You never know what is around the corner, but how would you if the door is closed? You wouldn’t unless your visible to employers (Download our app). Even if you’re happy in your job and company you work for, it’s a great idea to still keep your options open to see what the world has to offer you, especially if it is either in line with your career progression or promotion in itself.

6.) Be prepared to move on

Don’t play it safe. By safe, we mean, if you’ve reached the maximum potential within your current job and organization, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. While you are working on your career progression, not every business can help you along the way. Promotions are far and few and depending on your individual goals and aspirations, you will work extremely hard and hold out for a promotion that may never come but if it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, it’s time to make a decision to help you further your career.

7). Be yourself

Stay true to who you are, what you value, what you stand for, and what makes you the person you are today. The corporate world can throw many challenges that may put you in a position to go against what you believe in with the hopes that it may get you in the good books. Don’t, it’s not worth it even if it may seem it is. It is far more fulfilling knowing you’ve achieved your goals while remaining true to yourself.

8). Trust your gut

You know yourself, so listen to yourself. If something doesn’t feel quite right, it is definitely worth looking into and addressing. Whether it be feeling unhappy or unsatisfied at work, struggling with workload, battling with leadership, or just the lack of opportunity that presents itself. Listen to your heart and see your job as part of your livelihood and make any changes that are necessary. And finally, never…. and we mean never forget your worth.

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Developing your career is not an easy task and certainly will not happen overnight. Part of the process is certainly on you. Setting your goals, ensuring you achieving them by remaining determined, persistent, surrounding yourself with the right influences, and so forth. Even when it feels things are not going your way, do your best to turn it into a positive and use it as fuel to your fire. Opportunities don’t come around all the time and when they do, you’re not the only one that is going to jump at the chance for a promotion or development. Sometimes being denied an opportunity is the best outcome. It allows you to take a step back and think about your situation from a different perspective. Life isn’t easy nor fair, neither is the workforce. Sometimes we need to take that leap of faith without knowing what is on the other side. Our message to you is never to give up no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.