How to Climb the Career Ladder in 2018?

2018 is approaching fast, and it seems to be a good time to review your career goals. It is a good time for self-analysis and to ask questions like: "Am I at the position I wanted to be in my career?" or "Did I meet my career goals this year?" While some individuals might answer in positive to these questions, a majority of people are still unaware about where their career is heading. A few people might be concerned about scoring a promotion, but a major chunk of them would be trying to understand what went wrong and why their career has suddenly turned stagnant, despite putting all efforts. Once you have studied it and understood what not to repeat for the coming years, take the following steps to enhance your career.

Review current job trends.

Whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, you must always keep an eye on the current trending jobs and know the roles that are going to play a significant role in the industry. Always stay updated about the news related to your domain and learn what is new in your industry. You can read the latest information on the web, attend conferences related to your role, or even skim through annual magazines of the companies you follow.

Get an advanced certification.

Career advancement comes when an individual is ready to invest in self, and this is definitely appreciated at the organization. Doing a relevant Masters course or a professional certification can give you a decent package. It will also be beneficial for you because entry level jobs, too, require high education.

Build an online portfolio.

As companies search talents over the internet, it's necessary to build an online portfolio where the companies can get a glimpse of work you have done until now. For instance, if you are a developer and don't have a GitHub profile, then you are seriously lagging behind. Having an account on development platforms like GitHub or Stack Overflow helps in connecting with individuals all over the world, sharing your knowledge, as well as learning from them.

Expand your network.

Reach out to local professionals working in your field and you could learn tons from their experience. Connecting with individuals on a professional network like LinkedIn is a common norm, but going out in the real world to meet them can help you learn much more. Attend group discussions, professional meets regarding buzzing topics of your industry, and be ready to explore more.

Take charge of meetings.

While you are making stupendous efforts outside the office walls to make an impact, it is extremely important to reciprocate the same at the workplace. This could be interacting with colleagues, training a new member of the team, or deciding the points to be discussed in the next monthly meeting. Going to the meeting with full preparation and statistical facts can be a great way to capture the supervisor's attention. Take control of every situation and have a proper agenda when you want to discuss something with the boss.

Become a dependable employee.

Going late to the office's cocktail party is acceptable, but reaching a few minutes after the scheduled time every day is something that the manager would quickly notice. If you want to be the apple of your boss's eye, transform into a proactive worker. Team leaders and senior managers like employees who are always a step ahead and have solutions ready for every single problem. If you are punctual, the "go-to" person for any minor issue and the right hand of the boss knowing all confidential details, he will certainly try to retain you, or even assign higher duties during his absence.

Find a mentor.

Learning is a never-ending process, and when you enter a profession, regardless of years of experience you have, there is always something new to know about. Having a know-it-all attitude at the workplace could only harm your position and undermine your value, as no one appreciates such employees. If you show willingness to accept feedback from supervisors, it demonstrates your eagerness to learn, and you might be presented with opportunities. Also, request a senior employee to be your career coach, mentor, or a guide, and take help.

Shaping your career is in your own hands, so just take charge of it. Invest some time in self-development and learn new skills from Lynda.com, Coursera or Udemy, and create a streamlined resume. Build a brand value for yourself and make 2018 the best year of your career.