Quick Tips for Building a Happier Career

You may feel forced to change course at some point in your career. Perhaps you’re thinking about changing careers completely, or maybe you want to go up the corporate ladder. In order to help you reach your next professional milestone—whether it’s a pay raise or a new job—we’ve put together a short and simple guide.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Find your mark

First thing’s first, you need to lay out your goals. Write a list, pitch ideas to friends, make a vision board if you need to—do whatever helps you pinpoint exactly what you want to achieve. Is a five percent salary increase what you’re vying for, or are you dreaming of becoming CEO of your company in five years’ time? Figure out precisely what you want, so you can take real action.

Don’t forget your homework

Once you have a clear objective it’s time do a little (or a lot of) research. What specific skills or qualifications do employers look for when recruiting for your dream role? If it’s a higher salary you’re interested in, take a look at some online salary calculators to work out what experience level or qualifications are required to earn that target salary. To advance in your field or break into a new industry, employers will be looking for exceptional skills and proof of your dedication to professional development.

Watch your blind spots

Now that you know what you want and which qualifications you need to get there, you’ll need to take inventory of your skills. Assess your abilities, experience and awards to see what gaps exist on the path to your objective. Maybe you have the leadership experience needed for your dream job, but you haven’t earned the required Master’s degree.

Need help locating your blind spots? One way to identify where you can improve is to have an honest discussion with your manager about your strengths and weaknesses. Someone who regularly observes your professional performance can shed some light on what is standing between you and that big promotion or pay rise.

Make your move

Take the research and professional feedback you’ve collected and plan your next steps. Review your list of skills gaps and decide the best way to fill them in. For example, your plan could involve taking on more responsibilities in your current role or working towards a necessary certification.

A guaranteed way to develop career skills and gain expert knowledge in a subject is to earn a degree. Though going back to school may feel like a sidestep from your professional goals, you can continue getting hands-on work experience during your studies when you earn a degree via Distance Learning. These programmes are delivered completely online, so you can access your study materials any time and from any location with an internet connection. You can complete assignments on your lunch break, or at home in the evenings just before bedtime – whatever suits you best!