Identify The Opportunities That Will Advance Your Career

After many years of struggle, you finally achieved the job you had been aching for. You realize that you may not have made it to the top, but you're quite content with your present position. Therefore, you might be sorely tempted to engage in complacency. Why bother to look for other opportunities, when you're happy where you are?

Few jobs will last you to retirement

Because of the ever-changing nature of business today, it is possible that your current job could be eliminated, leaving you without a regular source of income. Or, your job duties may change as the marketplace changes, or as your company merges with another company. Chances are that you will have a number of jobs before you retire-possibly in a number of different companies. You might even end up switching careers because of a tight labor market or simple boredom. As a result, it is important for you to identify opportunities that will advance your career-even if you feel you are quite comfortable in your current job.

Take advantage of networking

If you want to expand your career opportunities, the surest way to do it is to increase your contacts. This is most effectively accomplished through networking. If you work in a particular field, such as journalism, for instance, you might want to join a trade organization so that you can meet other journalists who can tell you about job opportunities. Likewise, if you are a member of a minority group, you might consider joining a business organization which caters to members of a specific ethnic group. Such groups often offer career-oriented speakers, career fairs, training sessions, and other means of disseminating information that could be helpful to you in your career.

In addition, simply meeting people can greatly increase your career prospects. The more people you know, the more opportunities you might become aware of. Therefore, it is important for you to mingle at events sponsored by various business groups. And be sure to take along a set of business cards-you'll want the people you meet to have all of your relevant contact information.

Take the time to train

Athletes, whether they are professional or amateur, are involved in continual training. Why shouldn't the same be the case for upwardly mobile business professionals? Therefore, you should seek out opportunities where you can be re-trained in the skills you use everyday, as well as opportunities to learn new skills that allow you to venture out of your comfort zone.

Consider an advanced degree

If you have only a high school diploma, you should definitely consider college. If you have a two-year college degree, you should begin looking at four-year colleges. And, if you have an undergraduate degree from a four-year institution, by all means consider graduate work. Additional education will not only expand your horizons-it will also increase your job opportunities. Through life-long learning, you will become more intellectually engaged-and are likely to become a more valuable worker as a result.

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