If you’re between the ages of 25 and 40, it’s likely you won’t be working for your current employer in four years’ time. If you’re in your twenties or early thirties, you’ll probably have moved on to a new employer within two to three years. While the reasons for changing jobs every few years vary from person to person, it’s clear that to grow your career, it’s essential to continually build your personal brand and gain new and diverse skills. As things at work tend to be quieter during the summer, it’s an ideal time to focus on your personal growth.
Whether you’re hoping for a promotion at your marketing agency or looking to move into a new in-house role in the new year, having new skills in your toolbox will be a significant asset to landing the job and securing the salary you deserve. Here are some trending tips on how to gain value from the downtime during the summer:
1. Update your Linked-In Profile
While this might not fit into the classic definition of upskilling, having an updated LinkedIn profile opens you up to more opportunities. Often, internal and external recruiters will approach candidates based on their LinkedIn profiles before positions are even posted publicly. If you have extra time, share an article or two about trends happening in your industry to show that you are knowledgeable and engaged in the conversation.
2. Take a Professional Development Course
Gone are the days where taking a course required a long commute to a university campus as a “mature” student. Now, a plethora of online learning opportunities exist that range from individual lessons about a certain topic to short courses with assignments to help upskill. As a starting point, visit Open Universities Australia or Udemy to see the range of courses. You never know, you might be able to sharpen your knowledge of SEO principles or gain new management skills.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering not only provides you with an opportunity to make a difference in your local community, but it also helps you upskill. By joining a not-for-profit board, you can gain skills in leadership and governance, as well as strengthen your network with other professionals from different industries. As the cliche goes, your network is your net worth. If you prefer a more hands-on volunteer opportunity such as serving food in a soup kitchen, you will be able to develop your soft skills such as empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
4. Find a Mentor
John C. Crosby said, “mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” Having someone who has built a successful career to turn to when you have a difficult decision to make and want some objective advice can be instrumental for your growth. While some people thrive on academic knowledge, having a relationship with someone who can help you navigate those difficult career choices can help you understand the positives and negatives and empower yourself with better decision-making skills. The holidays are a great time to attend events and parties and be open to building new professional relationships that will continue to be nurtured and developed throughout the year.
5. Attend industry conferences and events
Attending industry conferences and events is a great way to learn about new trends, meet other professionals in your field, and expand your network. Make the most out of these events by preparing a list of questions to ask and setting specific goals for what you hope to achieve. By attending these events, you can stay up to date on the latest industry developments and gain insights into how to grow your career.
In conclusion, growing your career is an ongoing process that requires constant learning and skill-building. By updating your LinkedIn profile, taking professional development courses, volunteering, finding a mentor, and attending industry conferences and events, you can gain valuable skills and insights that will help you succeed in your current role and beyond.
