When you graduate from university or even have a few years of work under your belt, it can be difficult to know where to go next if you feel like you're stuck in a rut. At this point, you’re probably looking for a few professional development tips to boost your career and learn something new to keep yourself feeling engaged. As you move through your first several years post-graduation or internship, you’ll be constantly learning and growing as a young professional. Every experience in the early part of your career is important, as it will teach you important lessons and skills for the future. Keeping this in mind, there are several things you can do to take the reigns in your education.
After studying for so long and spending hours in a library during your education or career progression, picking up another book might be the last thing you want to do. However, reading widely and with a critical eye becomes even more important in your career. Today’s most successful global leaders are constantly reading, learning, and growing. Whether you avidly read your National Geographic subscription or are on the library waiting list for the next bestselling novel, reading is an easy way to gradually improve your ongoing professional development skills and keep your mind sharp. Additionally, it will give you great conversation topics, and can even help you to become a better writer and speaker.
In today’s competitive job market, blindly applying to jobs online is no longer an effective method for getting a position. Some jobs receive hundreds of applicants, who are screened by an automated program. Unfortunately, that means you might get rejected for a job before a real person even glances at your carefully curated CV! Because of this, the best and easiest way to get a job or internship is via referral. If someone inside an organization makes a recommendation on your behalf, you are sure to have a leg up on the competition! Building strong connections with professionals in your field is the best way to ensure you’ll have no trouble finding a job in the future.
For your continuing professional development, look for people who have skills and positions you aspire to. A mentor is a perfect person to guide you through the early stages of your career and give you helpful suggestions for improvement. You’ll be able to get advice and assistance as you apply for jobs, grad school, and even internships. A mentor can help you identify your goals and next steps, and keep you on track!
Another beneficial professional development tip is to differentiate yourself as a young professional by offering a unique perspective. International experience is an excellent way to do this. An international internship or volunteering in another country is a great way to gain a new perspective on your industry. This is something you’ll be able to offer to potential employers that will make you extremely valuable in an increasingly global job market.
Finally, our last professional development tip is, if you aren’t sure where to start, find a position in a start-up. Entrepreneurial organizations are at the heart of the business world and are the perfect environment in which to learn and grow. At a start-up, you’ll take on more impactful roles and you will have lots of room to move up in the organization the more you learn and thrive.