Welcome back to The Code of Style, and this feature about How to Increase Your Career Options.
If you want to be able to do whatever work you want to do, whenever you want to do it, there are a few things you need to do first (was that enough do’s for you?) as you will see below…
How to Increase Your Career Options
1. Skill Up with Certifications
Cetifications are kind of like career power-ups – well the right ones are, anyway. For instance, no matter your industry, CPR and First Aid certification can make you the go-to person in a crisis, showing you’re ready to handle emergencies, and that means employers love people who hold such a certificate. When they hire them, they pretty much kill two birds with one stone, right?
2. Learn Another Language
Parlez-vous Français? Hablas Español? Adding another language to your toolkit can open doors globally, making you a valuable asset to any team anywhere at any time. It shows you’re not only skilled but also culturally aware and ready to engage with a diverse client base or team.
3. Get Tech Savvy
Okay, so you don’t need to become the next Steve Jobs, but there is no denying that tech skills are a big plus point for just about any company you can think of, so boosting yours will help your career a whole lot.
Whether it’s mastering Excel, getting comfortable with digital marketing tools, or learning to navigate complex databases, tech proficiency is a surefire resume enhancer.
4. Flex Your Creative Muscle
Creativity isn’t just something you need to cultivate if you want to be an artist or poet. Employers love someone who can think outside the proverbial box and churn out fresh ideas for old problems.
5. Network, Network, Network
If you want to get ahead in any career you need to know the right people; the people who can get you in.
Networking can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised and give you insights into where your industry’s headed.
6. Volunteer to Stand Out.
Volunteer your skills in a context that’s different from your day job. It shows you’re passionate and committed, plus it can give you a whole new set of skills and experiences to talk about in interviews. And hey, it makes the world a better place, too!
7. Blog About Your Passions
If you have a blog and you write about a given industry intelligently, that makes you a thought leader in that industry, right? Plus, it’s a perfect way to express yourself and refine your writing skills.
8. Go Back to School
An advanced degree or specialized courses can catapult you into higher echelons in your field. So, it may be a worthwhile investment depending on what you want to do. Look into it.
9. Stay Current
Being knowledgeable about the latest developments in your field shows that you’re engaged and proactive about your professional development.
10. Find a Mentor
A mentor knows their stuff, so they can teach you how to succeed too, right? Plus, they can introduce you to others in the industry, expanding your network even further.
11. Polish Your Personal Brand
In today’s digital age, your online presence is your new first impression.
Polish your LinkedIn profile, clean up your social media, and ensure your online presence is professional and aligns with your career goals.
12. Speak at Events
If the thought doesn’t terrify you, speaking at events can be a fantastic career booster. Even if you are scared, learning to overcome that fear will undoubtedly see you right when it comes to increasing your career options.
13. Work on Your Soft Skills
Soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership are, for many employers, just as important as the technical skills needed to perform the job. They make you a rounded candidate and a pleasant coworker, which is always a bonus.
14. Embrace Project Management
Knowing how to manage a project, means you are more valuable as an employee, because you can not only do the job, but manage it too. So, definitely consider getting certified in popular methodologies like Agile or Scrum.
These certifications not only make your resume stand out but also equip you with the tools to manage projects efficiently, making you an asset to any team.
15. Develop Negotiation Skills
Strong negotiation skills can be a game changer in your career. From negotiating salaries to closing deals, the ability to negotiate effectively can lead to better outcomes and more opportunities. Attend workshops or take online courses to build these skills.
16. Pursue Industry Certifications
Depending on your field, specific industry certifications can be crucial for advancement. These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your profession. Research which certifications are most valued in your industry and pursue them to enhance your credibility and marketability.
17. Engage in Continuous Learning
Commit to lifelong learning to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date. With platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, you can access courses on almost any topic.
Continuous learning shows potential employers that you’re proactive about your professional development.
18. Optimize Your Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term career success. Employers value employees who can manage their responsibilities while ensuring they remain productive and not burnt out.
Learn to set healthy boundaries and advocate for a balance that allows you to excel at work and enjoy your life outside of it.
19. Attend Trade Shows and Conferences
Immerse yourself in your industry by attending relevant trade shows, conferences, and seminars. These events are tremendous opportunities to learn from thought leaders, observe emerging industry trends, and network with potential mentors and partners.
They can provide fresh ideas and inspiration for ways to propel your career forward.
20. Explore Side Projects
Engage in side projects related to your field to explore new interests and develop skills that you may not use in your day job. Side projects can be a powerful way to demonstrate your passion and initiative to potential employers. They also allow you to experiment and innovate in a low-risk environment.
In Conclusion :
How to Increase Your Career Options
You can climb whatever ladder you want when you do this stuff!
We hope you found this article about How to Increase Your Career Options helpful and you can have a look here for more of our lifestyle features.
I’m Julia, the Senior Managing Editor and I can’t wait to share some more articles with you again soon! In the meantime you can find more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration on “The Velvet Runway” .
Thank you for reading
Website: The Velvet Runway , Instagram : @thevelvetrunway
