There are numerous ways that you can jumpstart your career, and if you find yourself to be stagnating, then it’s time for you to select one of them. You want to be in a position where you look forward to coming in to work, so consider carefully from among these options.
Move to a Different Industry
This is probably the most extreme option that you have available to you, but in certain situations, you might feel you have reached the pinnacle of what your industry has to offer you. If you intend to make this move, you should first conduct interviews with professionals in your new target industry. Networks like LinkedIn can be beneficial as you start to reach out and form some new contacts.
Redouble Your Efforts
If your desire is to remain in your current career, but you feel like you can move up to a higher salaried position with more responsibility, then if you work harder at your current job you should be able to get yourself noticed by your superiors. That way, when you feel the time is right to try and ascend to the next rung in your career ladder, you can use your stellar performance as an indication that you’re up to the task.
Network
If you know more people in your industry, you’ll have better chances at career advancement. With that in mind, attend conferences, reach out to others via social networking, and take part in team building exercises whenever you can. Try to spend time socially with your bosses and other colleagues.
Become More Qualified
The more you know about your industry and the more training you get and certifications you hold, the more valuable you’ll be to your company, or a different one. You can take online, weekend, or night classes to try and learn more about your niche and keep up with industry trends.
Switch Companies
If you want to stick with your industry but you feel that you’re running into a wall with your current company, it may be time to update your resume and look elsewhere. LiveCareer offers resume templates that you will find helpful. If you have been with a company for a long time, then the notion of leaving it might make you nervous. Your best option is to stay with your current company and only inform them that you are moving on once you have secured a new position elsewhere.
Prove Your Value to Your Company
If you’re keeping with your current company but you don’t feel that a promotion offer is headed your way anytime soon, prove your worth to your superiors however you can. Land a new client, oversee staff training, or take the initiative and make suggestions as to how aspects of the day-to-day operations might be improved and expedited. This is another method of making yourself stand out when a new position becomes available.
Make a plan and follow it through. If you feel undervalued or that your skills are underutilized, you need to be proactive if you are to get to where you feel you deserve to be.