When it comes to advancing in your career you must be able to stand out. There is more than one method to doing this. For example, you want to make sure that you have an awesome work ethic. It also helps by having a lot of knowledge in your field. For some this may mean furthering your education by gaining a degree, but for those of you who don’t want to endure tons of studying and loans there are plenty of other options.
Reading
Reading is a great and inexpensive way to expand your knowledge. It is unlikely that you won’t be able to find a book on a subject that you desire to learn more about. Through reading you can learn new skills such as budgeting or cooking. You can learn about the customs of different cultures and new words. One thing that most highly influential people have in common is that no matter how busy they may be they set aside time to read. These people are well-rounded and open minded which plays a huge part in their success. Find a few books you might be interested in – whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, 80 pages or 300 give it a go. It also might be a great idea for you to find out what books the influential people in your industry recommend and add it to your reading list.
Find a Mentor
Having a mentor isn’t just for college age adults and below. Mentors are great for every phase of your life to help guide you. One of the best methods to go about finding a mentor is to find someone who is where you want to be in the near future. These people have gone through the career obstacles that you might be facing now and can lend first hand advice. Also, make sure that you choose someone that you can trust and that has your best interest at heart. If you want a mentor, don’t be afraid to ask for one. Most people are honored that you think so highly of them that you want to place them in that position in your life. Remember, not asking for the things you need in life won’t get your far.
Attend Conferences/Networking Events
Attending conferences and networking events gives you the opportunity to learn and also connect with others in your industry. In conferences, you get to absorb exclusive information from top thought leaders that can help advance you in your career. Networking events allow you to exchange business cards and make connections that can lead to future collaborations or maybe a new job. Conferences can be expensive so zero in on what you feel like will be most impactful with your goals. Networking events however, are often free and frequent Check out your local listings, bring your cards and meet new people.
Take an Online Course
You can learn almost anything on the internet. Just like books, it is very unlikely that you won’t be able to find a subject that peaks your interest. The great thing about enrolling in an online course is that you get to learn at your own pace. You can learn how to become a master of a certain social media platform or how to write grants. Some courses can be expensive, but on the bright side you will be learning a new valued skill for your career and able to beef up your resume.