Don’t be apathetic about your professional future. Putting in maximum effort early on will pay off in the long run. Making your way up through the ranks in the workplace means better pay and more interesting and challenging projects. Impress your bosses and fast-track your route up the corporate ladder by following this career advice for Gen Z.
Top 10 pieces of career advice for Gen Z who want to fast-track their career
1. Do an internship abroad
Working abroad is a unique way to gain both professional and international experience, which are both catalysts for moving your career forward. International work experience is a great way to add relevant experience to your resume, develop professional anecdotes for your next job interview and understand the inner workings of your industry in an international context.
2. Say “yes” to networking opportunities
Networking can be tedious, especially for young professionals who are still trying to figure out exactly what they want to do. That being said, putting yourself out there, introducing yourself and learning about what other people in your field are doing is worth the effort. The connections that you yield through networking will serve you well, whether you find a new friend or a new client – or both.
3. Go above and beyond
The best way to get noticed by managers and coworkers is to really put 110% into your work. You don’t necessarily need to spend extra time at work – just make the time that you do spend at work count. Your dedication to the job will be noticed and it will pay off in the long run.
4. Develop relationships with your superiors
Making interpersonal connections with management at your company is an important way to assert yourself at your current job. Don’t go crazy trying to be their best friend, but do try to get to know them and express your interest in the company.
5. Dress for the job that you want
Looks aren’t everything, but they do matter. Appearing polished at the workplace won’t make up for poor work habits but it will have an effect on how you are perceived. If you dress like a manager, you’re naturally going to garner more respect among your peers.
6. Stay positive
Everyone experiences work burnout and frustration at some point. What matters is how you handle it. Staying positive and optimistic about your job situation is important because it shows tenacity and good spirits. Those are important qualities for climbing the corporate ladder. It’s crucial that you don’t let setbacks keep you down. Resilience speaks volumes about your character and your ability to perform in the workplace.
7. Think strategically
Be aware of the evolving needs, values and goals of your workplace. Understand that each job serves a specific function in making a successful corporation run smoothly. The needs of the company are forever changing, which is why it’s a good idea to understand how the company works and where you come into the mix. Consider which positions and skills will be needed in the next few years and think about how you can fill those needs.
8. Know your strengths and weaknesses
Understanding where you shine and where you need to improve is imperative to workplace success. Work on improving and minimizing weaknesses, but also learn how to use your strengths to make you invaluable to the company. If you cannot be replaced, you have more leverage for future promotions, benefits and raises. Being aware of your strengths is also incredibly important during the job interviewing process. Learn how to promote yourself.
9. Understand what makes you excel
It’s really important to identify what motivates you as early as possible. If you’re deadline motivated – set hard deadlines for yourself. If you work best in a team, try to figure out ways to do more shared work.
10. Follow your passion
The person who works the hardest is the person who is doing something that they are passionate about. Figure out what you enjoy doing and then think about how that can be applied to your career. It’s the best way to rise up. When you love your work, you will give always give 100%, and that’s what really gets you noticed in the workplace.
Photo 1. based on MSLGROUP’s Chance for Change Summit 2015, by MSLGROUP Global, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. by The Intern Group
Photo 3. based on Hard Work (Vicios I), by Eneas De Troya, CC-by-2.0