Four Strategic Career Development Tips for Women

It’s the start of the new year and you’re looking for some inspiration. Could your career development plan use help to gain momentum? Women who report being successful and satisfied in their careers often engage in proactive planning. Once they’ve decided on their goals, they establish an approach to accomplish the goals. Below are some tips for strategic career development for women.

1. Find good mentors and role models. Look for a role model a few levels higher in your organization or field and build a relationship. Forge mentor relationships with several people and continue to do so throughout your career, even when you reach the leadership level.
2. Do the work. Volunteer to complete challenging projects and assignments. One of the best ways to advance your career is to identify an organizational problem and propose a solution. You will not only increase your visibility as a problem solver in the organization, but you might also expand your skills in the process.
3. Develop your skills. Whether through informal training or certification, keep your technical and management skills current and learn about emerging knowledge areas. Commit to learning and being a sponge for information; it will set you apart and make you an invaluable resource to any team. Tapping into your talents and your natural strengths will make you infinitely more successful in your role, as well as happier and more engaged.
4. Understand your organization’s culture. Understanding the organization’s culture may start from observing its artifacts—its physical environment, employee interactions, company policies, reward systems and other observable characteristics. To what extent does the organization encourage and reward members for improving their skills and performance and for setting and achieving challenging goals with respect to excellence and quality? Does your organization offer training, and is there encouragement of “entrepreneurship” and “reasonable risk taking” in such areas as product and process development?

These are just a few of the most valuable tips I have utilized during my professional career development.

What are some of the practices that you’re found to be successful in your own career? Do you have tips that you’d like to share? Log in to GoodProspects and join the conversation in our women’s group or with people in one of our industry sectors.