01 Jul How to fast track your career
If your idea of a fulfilling career includes promotion, responsibility and overall growth, you’re in the right place.
There are many things to take into consideration once you’ve realised where you want to be in your career. To help ascertain whether you are ready to fast-track it, ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I knowledgeable enough to fill my desired position?
2. Am I emotionally mature enough to fill that role?
3. Am I respected in my workplace?
4. What do I consider the “peak” of my career to be?
These are basic questions but should definitely be thought over before deciding that you want to put the pedal to the metal in your career.
Growth is great but gradual growth is better. Walking into your first job and visualising yourself sitting in your CEO’s chair within a few months is a little over-ambitious but having that goal set speaks volumes for your hunger for growth and success.
Let’s first work through these 5 questions before putting yourself under any unnecessary pressure.
AM I KNOWLEDGEABLE ENOUGH TO FILL MY DESIRED ROLE?
Knowledge is not only a degree in business. It’s also attained by practical experience. Having attended a tertiary institution and being awarded that degree is a brilliant foundation, however, it’s not all we need to take into consideration.
Gain the knowledge you need, ask questions, build a report with your colleagues and let your successes subtly cross your manager’s desk. Grow in knowledge and experience. Being conscious of this at the very beginning of your career sets you one step ahead.
AM I EMOTIONALLY MATURE ENOUGH TO FILL THAT ROLE?
Again, with experience comes the emotional maturity required to lead others. While working your way up the corporate ladder, there may very well be a team of staff both reporting to you and looking up to you. One of the key attributes required to lead a team is confidence. Read again. CONFIDENCE. Not arrogance. Don’t mix the two. This leads us to the next question …
AM I RESPECTED IN MY WORKPLACE / INDUSTRY?
If the answers to questions one and two are “YES”, you could probably do the same with this question. Being knowledgeable enough gains you respect as an employee and colleague. Your knowledge in your industry being commended and your ability acknowledged demonstrates peer respect. Being emotionally mature enough to feel secure and confident in your job gains you respect as an individual. If you have both of these nailed, you’re well on your way to the fast lane.
WHAT DO I CONSIDER THE PEAK IN MY CAREER TO BE?
Landing your first job at 21, being regularly promoted and becoming CEO / MVP/ BIG BOSS at 30 sounds like a dream and a perfect score. You’ve reached your goal through your “fast-tracking” within 9 years. Now what? For the next 30 odd years, you’ll be at that “peak”, which (by the way) after the first decade or so will be better referred to as a “plateau”.
Space your career. Set some short term goals and work towards them, not only focus only on the end goal but the smaller, yet equally important, goals.
The small victories build character, stamina, report, and respect.
If, after going through these questions and performing a quick self-assessment, you feel you are a perfect “fast-track” candidate, here are some tips to level up in your career:
Network – meet and mingle with people in your industry. Get your name known.
Attend Workshops – again, you’ll meet people who have the same drive for growth.
Learn, Learn, Learn – take a course or two to gain more knowledge in your field.
Find a mentor – find a person you can look up to and learn practical lessons from.
Polish up on your skills – Problem-solving, organization, time management.
Fast-tracking your career is great but make sure it’s for you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to reach the end goal too quickly. Know your limits, know your abilities and know where you are before running to where you want to be. A steady pace wins the race.
To see what we have on offer – be sure to check out our recruitment channel.
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