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Take charge of your career development with these four tips

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Credit: iStock
Credit: iStock

Most people want to be successful in their jobs so they can move up the ladder and earn more but it's important to put in the extra time to become the “go-to” person in your field.

Read more: Questions to ask yourself before making that career change

Aim for more than just working for the sake of working. Start mapping out your career success by asking yourself these important questions: What is your ambition? Are you passionate about what you do? Are you driven to become a leader in your field? Here are four tips to help you fast-track your career success: 

Be passionate about your job

Is your only motivation at work leaving at the end of the day? Then you’re possibly in the wrong job. You have to be passionate and motivated to do what you do and to keep improving, especially if you have to put in some effort after hours.

Consider acquiring new skills through a short online course. Not only will it be beneficial to your career, it will also ensure you stay ahead of others who are on the same level as you are. Check out Udemy if you're looking for affordable options.

For example, if you’re writer for print publications, but would really like to get into digital writing you should consider starting your own blog, take a course in SEO and research ways to make your content appealing and discoverable. You will only want to work harder if you really love what you do.  

Read more: I tried upping my work productivity game and somehow both failed and succeeded

Work towards becoming an expert in your field

Thanks to social media it is now so much easier to establish yourself as a leader in your field. You can start a blog offering information that other professionals in your business can learn from. Discuss news, trends and things that you need to know to get ahead in your field.

Start your own projects  

Think of your next career move when you decide which skills to start developing. There are most likely some skills you could develop in your current job. For others you’ll have to initiate opportunities to develop them yourself.

Once you’ve completed relevant courses to advance your career, consider taking on a few freelance or volunteering jobs to practice your newly acquired knowledge and skills.

The more work you do, the better your understanding will be of what the industry needs. Once you’ve completed a project, write about it and invite peers to comment. This will help you to start a community and give you the opportunity to make valuable connections for your network.

Remember to maintain a balance

All of the above will take up a lot of your time. Remember that it’s important to work on a healthy work-life balance to ensure you don’t burn out before you have reached your goals.

Keep in touch with your family and friends for support and try to involve your friends and family where possible. But also learn when to take a step back from work and appreciate what you have. 

If you are putting in the hours but not reaping the rewards, remember to create or upload your CV to a reputable job portal to find your best match. 

This article was originally published on Careers24.

WATCH: Unconventional Career Advice | Christine Bailey | TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells

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