Jump-Start Your Career

Give Yourself a Push

Do you badly want that corner office? You need a plan to move your career ahead. The following 10 key “career catalysts” are useful whether you’re in public practice or industry.

Establish your goals . Once you develop objectives you can achieve in the next year, make sure you review them frequently. Examples are Building customer relations. Reading appropriate trade or professional journals to be aware of trends. Get organized . Employers admire strong organization skills. Develop yours with Project-tracking software. A day-planning notebook. Seek new responsibilities . Be willing to oversee a new project, no matter how large. This will help foster your professional growth.

Learn new technologies . The market introduces new products continuously, so you’re never really done with training. Expertise with the latest software is a valuable skill.

Meet and greet . Join a trade association to keep track of what’s happening in your field. Keep in touch with former colleagues.

Dress for success . Would you like to be at the next level? Observe the dress of employees who are already there.

Lend a helping hand . Become a mentor in your department to improve morale and strengthen your leadership skills.

Be there . You can make sure others are aware of your accomplishments without boasting. Arrive at the office early and speak up at meetings.

Remain flexible . If someone assigns you a project outside your job description, take it. It could lead to important new responsibilities.

Stay upbeat . Companies admire an employee who can maintain a positive attitude even during peak workload periods.