Monday, May 28, 2018

To Take Before Your Move To Next Career Level

By Virginia Foster


If you are ambitious and serious about getting ahead in the workplace, you have your work cut out for you. Many women believe they can't achieve their highest goals because of gender bias and invisible barriers like the glass ceiling. These obstacles are real, but there are things you can do to minimize the effects. If you want to move to next career level, but aren't sure how to go about it, experts have some common sense advice you should follow.

Before you make any moves, you need to take stock of what it is you really want. You might have a great job with a dedicated staff, but dream about stepping up into international business. This might require working abroad or moving into an area that includes international responsibilities. Another woman may have global experience and but really wants to move into a sphere where she is managing a bigger team or crossing over into another division.

When your goal is to move way beyond your current position, you must be cautious about who you talk to. You might think your boss supports your efforts to get ahead, and find out that the idea you may actually leave creates tension between you two. Your supervisor's first thought may be about the inconvenience it will cause her instead of how it will affect your life.

You have to be sure you are ready for the next professional step. In order to get ready, you might volunteer for projects that coincide with the kind of experience you will eventually need. Taking night classes at a local college to learn new skills, or reinforce the ones you already have, might be appropriate.

As you advance in your career you will be expected to hold your own with corporate executives. To do that, you must have an impressive executive presence. You can start with assessing your communication skills. A lot of experts advise clients to record themselves. You could set up a mock interview, asking the questions, and recording your answers. You need to hear a person who is assertive, enunciates clearly, and avoids bad verbal habits.

When your goal is to become a corporate executive, you will need the help of someone who has already achieved that status. Finding a sponsor willing to introduce you to the people you need to know and help you with career opportunities may not be easy. In order to gain the attention of this person, you might have to introduce yourself.

You might get so focused on your ambitions you think they are obvious to everyone else. This is almost never true. If you want people to give you opportunities, you have to let them know you are eager to accept them. Sitting back and waiting for the opportunities to fall in your lap is a bad plan.

Women who are serious about their careers have to make choices. Creating a game plan is the best way to realize your goals. It will take perseverance, strategic thinking, the guidance of a sponsor, and a little luck.




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