How to Move Up In Your Career: 5 Ways To Show Professionalism
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The world of work is changing fast. Now more than ever, it’s important to stay current and professional in your outlook so that you don’t fall behind. If you want to move up your career and make the most of an opportunity, a solid showing of professionalism is essential. To get started, keep reading for five ways to show professionalism at any job or stage of your career
Be Flexible, Communicative, and Accountable
Flexibility is key at every stage of your career, whether it’s in your schedule or your attitude toward work. When you’re new to a position, be willing to change your schedule if necessary. If you’re getting hired on as a part-time employee, be willing to cut back on your hours, especially during the busy season. You’ll also want to show flexibility when it comes to your attitude. Be careful not to take every frustration and complaint personally. Your manager doesn’t want a surly employee who takes everything as a personal attack, especially when it comes to routine tasks. When it comes to your work, don’t be afraid to ask questions. No matter where you are in your career, there are always things you don’t know and things you can do better. If you’re able to speak with your manager or supervisor, politely ask what you can do to become a better employee. Your manager will appreciate the professional confidence.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
As a new employee, you face a learning curve. No matter how competent you believe you are, you’ll make mistakes and discover new ways of doing your job once you’re on the job. As a new employee, you have a number of responsibilities, including setting up your computer, finding a work-friendly schedule, and learning your department’s workflow. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by any of these tasks, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your manager wants to see that you’re confident enough to take a step back and learn something new, not just keep charging forward. Your manager might be willing to help, or you can ask around in your office or in the human resources department. You might also consider setting up a job mentorship with a senior employee.
Take Part in Formal Networking
Once you’ve been at your job for a while and have friends who work in related fields, it’s a great idea to reach out and connect with them. While you can initiate this on your own, it’s easier to get the ball rolling when you’re connected to your company’s network. Your company might have a department that organizes social events and networking events. If not, human resources or your manager might have a few contacts they’d like you to connect with. Some people are solo networkers, but it’s more professional to take part in formal networking. For example, you can join professional organizations like the American Marketing Association, American Society of Entrepreneurs, or your local Women’s Business Center. You can also take part in networking events sponsored by your company.
Show You Care About the Company’s Culture
A great way to show that you care about the company’s culture is to model the core values that you see reflected throughout the office. Whether you have a poster on your desk or a copy of the core values hanging in the break room, you want to make it clear that you are displaying the company’s values. When you hang posters in the office or include copies in employee handbooks, keep them visible. You can also take part in social activities that celebrate the company’s culture. For example, if your company sponsors a team for a popular sports team, you can join the team and participate in the social activities that are tied to the team.
Stay Engaged With Ongoing Training
As you move through your career, your manager will likely push you to continue your education. If you’ve been in your field for a while, you might be able to receive some formal training to get some certifications or take classes online. For example, if you want to get certified as a project manager, you’ll need to take a course and pass a certification exam. There are a number of different certification organizations you can sign up for. If you’re interested in receiving training that’s not tied to a certification, contact your manager and explain what you’re interested in learning. You might even ask for a list of topics you can choose from. A good manager will be willing to help you find learning resources that are both relevant to your field and interesting to you personally.
Conclusion
If you want to move up your career and make the most of an opportunity, a solid showing of professionalism is essential. To get started, keep reading for five ways to show professionalism at any job or stage of your career.
