6 answers
6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
743
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You never stop learning, even when you leave school and obtain a job.
I have always encouraged the students, who I advised to look for opportunities to improve their skills in their profession, so they will not stagnate in the job.
This means looking and researching possible training and certification options at local colleges or universities.
It could take the form of getting an advanced degree within your specialization, or branching out into other areas to improve your skills and make you alluring to hiring professionals in other career area.
So, I would look at online and in person courses to improve your credentials, and help your future advancement.
I have always encouraged the students, who I advised to look for opportunities to improve their skills in their profession, so they will not stagnate in the job.
This means looking and researching possible training and certification options at local colleges or universities.
It could take the form of getting an advanced degree within your specialization, or branching out into other areas to improve your skills and make you alluring to hiring professionals in other career area.
So, I would look at online and in person courses to improve your credentials, and help your future advancement.
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
1. Select Your Profession with Care
The initial and most crucial step towards a fulfilling career is the selection of your job.
Deciding on a job that leads to success is largely dependent on your personal definition of success.
Are you seeking a career that involves travel or do you prefer a stable job that provides a comfortable routine?
Is a high salary your primary goal, or is money not your main focus?
After identifying what truly satisfies you and your priorities, you can shape your career accordingly.
The most vital aspect is to choose a profession that you love. It's effortless to find joy in a career that aligns with your passion.
To discover your passion, identify your fundamental values, think about what you would love to do if money wasn't a concern, and recall moments when you felt happiest and most fulfilled.
A career that you enjoy not only enhances your overall life experience but also increases your chances of success, as people tend to excel in activities they love.
In essence, achieving success in your career means doing what you love, making every workday feel like a joy, not a chore.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning
The key to career progression and success is lifelong learning.
When you're open to acquiring new knowledge, your potential for growth expands.
Cultivate a mindset that encourages trying new things regularly in both your personal and professional life. New skills pave the way for fresh opportunities.
You could start a new hobby, attempt an activity you've always wanted to try but haven't found the time for, or challenge yourself with something that scares you.
Being a lifelong learner can be as simple as tasting new cuisine, taking a different route to work, or exploring a virtual museum.
In your professional life, seek advice from your superiors and those whose career paths you admire. Look for training opportunities within your field and certifications that can help you climb the career ladder.
Explore online courses, professional certificates, and micro-credential programs to boost your skills. Choose those that will enhance your current career or help you explore potential career changes.
Don't feel trapped in your current job or career.
Feeling stuck is often a mental state, a situation we create for ourselves.
Regardless of where you are in your career, you always have the power to make changes.
While these changes can be daunting or challenging, they can also be beneficial.
Throughout your career, maintain a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.
Never stop striving to better yourself and your career, and never succumb to the belief that you're stuck where you are.
3. Grasp Your Job Expectations
Understanding your employer's expectations gives you a clear roadmap to success at work.
It's beneficial when employers set expectations and conduct regular performance reviews, but you can also take the initiative to understand what's expected of you.
Start with your current job description. Most companies make this available online or in your employee records.
Take note of the key skills required for the job. Do you possess all of them? How can you enhance each one?
Review the responsibilities listed in the job description. Make sure you're putting in the effort to fulfill each one.
Understand what's required to stay current in your role and to progress to a new role, department, job, or company. Successful individuals are always on the move.
Get to know the mission and goals of your organization. Focus on how you can contribute to these objectives and help the company achieve its mission. If these don't align with your values and career path, it might be time to look for a new job.
Familiarize yourself with the workplace culture of your organization, which is shaped by the values and beliefs of your employers and colleagues.
Your job's culture might emphasize friendliness, diversity, teamwork, productivity, accountability, motivation, clear communication, or employee challenges, for instance.
The initial and most crucial step towards a fulfilling career is the selection of your job.
Deciding on a job that leads to success is largely dependent on your personal definition of success.
Are you seeking a career that involves travel or do you prefer a stable job that provides a comfortable routine?
Is a high salary your primary goal, or is money not your main focus?
After identifying what truly satisfies you and your priorities, you can shape your career accordingly.
The most vital aspect is to choose a profession that you love. It's effortless to find joy in a career that aligns with your passion.
To discover your passion, identify your fundamental values, think about what you would love to do if money wasn't a concern, and recall moments when you felt happiest and most fulfilled.
A career that you enjoy not only enhances your overall life experience but also increases your chances of success, as people tend to excel in activities they love.
In essence, achieving success in your career means doing what you love, making every workday feel like a joy, not a chore.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning
The key to career progression and success is lifelong learning.
When you're open to acquiring new knowledge, your potential for growth expands.
Cultivate a mindset that encourages trying new things regularly in both your personal and professional life. New skills pave the way for fresh opportunities.
You could start a new hobby, attempt an activity you've always wanted to try but haven't found the time for, or challenge yourself with something that scares you.
Being a lifelong learner can be as simple as tasting new cuisine, taking a different route to work, or exploring a virtual museum.
In your professional life, seek advice from your superiors and those whose career paths you admire. Look for training opportunities within your field and certifications that can help you climb the career ladder.
Explore online courses, professional certificates, and micro-credential programs to boost your skills. Choose those that will enhance your current career or help you explore potential career changes.
Don't feel trapped in your current job or career.
Feeling stuck is often a mental state, a situation we create for ourselves.
Regardless of where you are in your career, you always have the power to make changes.
While these changes can be daunting or challenging, they can also be beneficial.
Throughout your career, maintain a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.
Never stop striving to better yourself and your career, and never succumb to the belief that you're stuck where you are.
3. Grasp Your Job Expectations
Understanding your employer's expectations gives you a clear roadmap to success at work.
It's beneficial when employers set expectations and conduct regular performance reviews, but you can also take the initiative to understand what's expected of you.
Start with your current job description. Most companies make this available online or in your employee records.
Take note of the key skills required for the job. Do you possess all of them? How can you enhance each one?
Review the responsibilities listed in the job description. Make sure you're putting in the effort to fulfill each one.
Understand what's required to stay current in your role and to progress to a new role, department, job, or company. Successful individuals are always on the move.
Get to know the mission and goals of your organization. Focus on how you can contribute to these objectives and help the company achieve its mission. If these don't align with your values and career path, it might be time to look for a new job.
Familiarize yourself with the workplace culture of your organization, which is shaped by the values and beliefs of your employers and colleagues.
Your job's culture might emphasize friendliness, diversity, teamwork, productivity, accountability, motivation, clear communication, or employee challenges, for instance.
Updated
Ruben’s Answer
There is more to this questions and I would like to find out the struggles or fears you are combating in order to give you a clear answer. Without knowing anything here are the things I feel you need to have to become successful in your career:
Excellence in Your Work: Strive for excellence in your tasks and projects. Consistently deliver high-quality results that meet or exceed expectations.
Effective Communication: Develop strong communication skills. Clearly convey your ideas, actively listen to others, and foster open and transparent communication.
Team Collaboration: Work well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics. Collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and be a reliable team player.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Stay current in your industry, be open to learning new skills, and adapt to changes. A willingness to evolve with the job requirements demonstrates versatility.
Initiative and Problem-Solving: Take initiative in identifying and solving problems. Proactively seek opportunities to contribute to the success of the team and the organization.
Good luck in your career.
Excellence in Your Work: Strive for excellence in your tasks and projects. Consistently deliver high-quality results that meet or exceed expectations.
Effective Communication: Develop strong communication skills. Clearly convey your ideas, actively listen to others, and foster open and transparent communication.
Team Collaboration: Work well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics. Collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and be a reliable team player.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Stay current in your industry, be open to learning new skills, and adapt to changes. A willingness to evolve with the job requirements demonstrates versatility.
Initiative and Problem-Solving: Take initiative in identifying and solving problems. Proactively seek opportunities to contribute to the success of the team and the organization.
Good luck in your career.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you have to identify the career you have interest and prepare a career plan.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
6. Prepare a career plan and review it regularly
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
6. Prepare a career plan and review it regularly
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Joyce,
Guide to Career Success
The journey to career success is a diverse one, encompassing personal growth, strategic thinking, lifelong learning, and effective networking. Here's a roadmap you can follow to boost your chances of success:
1. Define Your Goals: Identify what you consider success in your career. Set short-term and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). This clarity will keep you focused and driven.
2. Embrace Lifelong Learning: In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to constantly enhance your skills and knowledge. Keep abreast of industry trends, participate in workshops or courses, earn certifications, and find mentoring opportunities to boost your expertise.
3. Polish Your Soft Skills: While technical skills are vital, soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally important for career success. Develop these skills to boost your overall workplace effectiveness.
4. Forge a Robust Professional Network: Networking paves the way for new career opportunities. Attend industry events, engage with professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn, and keep up relationships with colleagues and mentors who can aid your growth.
5. Welcome Feedback and Learn from Failures: Constructive feedback is a goldmine for personal growth. Be receptive to feedback from peers, superiors, or mentors and use it as a springboard for improvement. View failures as learning opportunities that can fuel your future success.
6. Take Risks and Face Challenges: Stepping beyond your comfort zone can unlock new growth and career advancement opportunities. Don't shy away from taking calculated risks and confronting challenges to show your capabilities.
7. Preserve Work-Life Balance: Career success shouldn't compromise your well-being. Aim to keep a healthy work-life balance by setting limits, prioritizing self-care, and making time for relaxation and hobbies outside work.
By consistently applying these steps and tailoring them to your unique situation and goals, you can boost your chances of career success.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for business insights and management strategies underpinned by research and expert opinions.
Forbes: A premier publication offering business news, entrepreneurship, leadership advice, and career development tips from industry gurus.
LinkedIn Learning: An online platform featuring a broad array of professional courses taught by industry experts to help individuals enhance their skills and progress their careers.
These sources were used to offer evidence-based advice on career success through tried-and-tested strategies and best practices endorsed by industry professionals.
BLESSINGS TO YOU, JOYCE!
JC.
Guide to Career Success
The journey to career success is a diverse one, encompassing personal growth, strategic thinking, lifelong learning, and effective networking. Here's a roadmap you can follow to boost your chances of success:
1. Define Your Goals: Identify what you consider success in your career. Set short-term and long-term goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). This clarity will keep you focused and driven.
2. Embrace Lifelong Learning: In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to constantly enhance your skills and knowledge. Keep abreast of industry trends, participate in workshops or courses, earn certifications, and find mentoring opportunities to boost your expertise.
3. Polish Your Soft Skills: While technical skills are vital, soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally important for career success. Develop these skills to boost your overall workplace effectiveness.
4. Forge a Robust Professional Network: Networking paves the way for new career opportunities. Attend industry events, engage with professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn, and keep up relationships with colleagues and mentors who can aid your growth.
5. Welcome Feedback and Learn from Failures: Constructive feedback is a goldmine for personal growth. Be receptive to feedback from peers, superiors, or mentors and use it as a springboard for improvement. View failures as learning opportunities that can fuel your future success.
6. Take Risks and Face Challenges: Stepping beyond your comfort zone can unlock new growth and career advancement opportunities. Don't shy away from taking calculated risks and confronting challenges to show your capabilities.
7. Preserve Work-Life Balance: Career success shouldn't compromise your well-being. Aim to keep a healthy work-life balance by setting limits, prioritizing self-care, and making time for relaxation and hobbies outside work.
By consistently applying these steps and tailoring them to your unique situation and goals, you can boost your chances of career success.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for business insights and management strategies underpinned by research and expert opinions.
Forbes: A premier publication offering business news, entrepreneurship, leadership advice, and career development tips from industry gurus.
LinkedIn Learning: An online platform featuring a broad array of professional courses taught by industry experts to help individuals enhance their skills and progress their careers.
These sources were used to offer evidence-based advice on career success through tried-and-tested strategies and best practices endorsed by industry professionals.
BLESSINGS TO YOU, JOYCE!
JC.
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
The responses given so far have been excellent. It's interesting to note that we're both from the Las Vegas area!
I think that success can be interpreted in a multitude of ways; it could mean climbing the corporate ladder, gaining recognition, or tackling intriguing projects. However, these achievements can sometimes come with a price. Alternatively, success could also mean producing high-quality work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You have to determine which area is most important to you.
If you're aiming for tangible success, it's crucial that your work aligns with your passion or strengths. Once this is in place, everything else usually falls into place. Stay inquisitive, take on tasks that push your boundaries - in other words, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Ensure you're constantly evolving. Master your field and cultivate a mindset of perpetual learning. Otherwise, you risk becoming stagnant. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to progress, perhaps in a foreign country or a different department. (This, of course, depends on your company and the opportunities available.) Lastly, seek a mentor - someone who knows you well and can offer valuable insights that challenge you.
I think that success can be interpreted in a multitude of ways; it could mean climbing the corporate ladder, gaining recognition, or tackling intriguing projects. However, these achievements can sometimes come with a price. Alternatively, success could also mean producing high-quality work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You have to determine which area is most important to you.
If you're aiming for tangible success, it's crucial that your work aligns with your passion or strengths. Once this is in place, everything else usually falls into place. Stay inquisitive, take on tasks that push your boundaries - in other words, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Ensure you're constantly evolving. Master your field and cultivate a mindset of perpetual learning. Otherwise, you risk becoming stagnant. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to progress, perhaps in a foreign country or a different department. (This, of course, depends on your company and the opportunities available.) Lastly, seek a mentor - someone who knows you well and can offer valuable insights that challenge you.