Five tips to turn your job into a career

BUILDING a career is about more than just stepping up to the next rung, but mapping out a future and filling in the gaps. Consider how to make a job more than a pay cheque.

1 KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY AND EMERGING TRENDS

“Get used to taking risks and don’t limit yourself through fear of making career mistakes,” says Robert Half director Andrew Brushfield.

Consider doing at least one thing every month that takes you out of your comfort zone.

Start small and then share your ideas at work to get noticed.

For example, start monitoring thought leaders in your field and send a regular update to your superiors with analysis of how this relates to your organisation.

This is also a great way to get on the leadership track.

2 UPSKILL IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Becoming an early technology adopter and stealing the march on others in your industry is a great way to rise rapidly.

Formal training and education can help but you can also volunteer to be the person who monitors technological developments affecting your industry and learn as you go.

“The ability to adapt quickly and upskill with technology will be critical,” Brushfield says.

3 BE COMFORTABLE WITH SOFT SKILLS

Interpersonal skills often are more valuable to an organisation than what you know. You can learn how to get the best out of yourself and colleagues. Brushfield says to focus on more than just your own results. “Instead, meet with department heads and team leaders to see how you and your team can contribute and boost the organisation as a whole,” he says.

Volunteering is another way to boost soft skills.

4 SEEK FEEDBACK

Don’t wait for performance review time. Look for regular feedback from your bosses and colleagues about what you could do better as well as taking on extra duties.

However, do not accept every task that comes your way, including overspill from other people’s workloads. Focus on what’s important.

5 BUILD YOUR NETWORKS

Expanding your existing network and mining your contacts opens you to opportunities. Meet people and find yourself mentors.

“You may think your direct manager is your only mentor but more often than not, their job is to ensure you carry out your function — not necessarily to advance your career,” Brushfield says.

“Seek mentors within and outside the company who can provide valuable career advice and industry perspective. They may identify external opportunities for you.”

This article first appeared on seek advice and tips