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It's a new year, and you know what that means: It's resolution time. Did you know that 41% of Americans usually make resolutions? The majority of these resolutions are related to self-improvement or financial decisions, which all tie into your career.
Most people want to better themselves in some way - move up the ladder at their workplace, increase their earnings, etc. Here are a few ways that can help you reach your career goals and resolutions in the new year.
- Create a Professional Development Plan
- Where do you want your career to be at the end of this year? Set goals that will help you achieve that. When setting your goals, make sure they follow a well-thought-out plan. Set an overarching goal, then S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) objectives. They should be clear and attainable with set deadlines and an action plan for how to reach them. After you set goals and objectives, your plan will begin to take shape with strategies you set.
- If you're a maintenance technician looking to become a shift lead, work with your manager to develop a plan to get there. With the support of your management team, you can achieve the established milestones and your ultimate goal of a new position.
- If you don’t have direct management, seek out a mentor or project work group that keeps you accountable to deadlines and goals.
- Where do you want your career to be at the end of this year? Set goals that will help you achieve that. When setting your goals, make sure they follow a well-thought-out plan. Set an overarching goal, then S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) objectives. They should be clear and attainable with set deadlines and an action plan for how to reach them. After you set goals and objectives, your plan will begin to take shape with strategies you set.
- Training Opportunities
- While your work environment should also be a learning environment, you can invest in formal trainings to enhance your skill set. If your company doesn’t provide those opportunities, there are third-party companies that offer quality training. They might offer webinars and conferences to engage you in conversation about topics related to your job or interests. Trade shows are another great way to get an interactive learning experience in a field of interest.
- Although there are many formal training opportunities, there are also plenty of informal trainings that you can organize and attend. Lunch-and-Learns are an easy opportunity to brush up on some skills during your lunch break. For example, if you want to brush up on on your product knowledge, ask your MRO vendor if product trainings and safety seminars are included in their services.
- While your work environment should also be a learning environment, you can invest in formal trainings to enhance your skill set. If your company doesn’t provide those opportunities, there are third-party companies that offer quality training. They might offer webinars and conferences to engage you in conversation about topics related to your job or interests. Trade shows are another great way to get an interactive learning experience in a field of interest.
- Embrace New Challenges
- Don’t be afraid to say yes to new opportunities and projects presented to you at work. Volunteer to work on an individual project or partner with multiple departments on a team project. Collaboration and working outside your comfort zone allows you to grow professionally while developing a new skill set.
Investing in yourself is worth it - and vital for a succesful career. The opportunities are out there for you to achieve the goals you've set, but it's up to you to make it happen.
