You’re young and just starting out in your chosen career and the idea of being top dog may seem years and tons of hard work away from ever happening. While it’s true that most women don’t go from entry level to CEO overnight, there are some things you can do to get there a whole lot faster than the other girls. If you’re aiming for the top rung, here is advice from career experts that should help you get there.
1 Stay Positive No Matter What
People who run companies want caring and kind people to work for them so above all else, stay positive. Even when a tough assignment or a snarky co-worker is threatening your zen, it’s important to keep your attitude in the right place so that you are seen as someone who is pleasant to work with and is nice to others. This might not sound like much, but it will certainly get you noticed. And it doesn’t mean being a doormat so don’t mistake a positive attitude with being walked all over.
Frequently asked questions
2 Ask for Career Advice
If you look around, you’ll find a woman in a high position or who has reached her goals, but I guarantee she was once where you are right now. That being said, she is the person you want to seek out for career advice. Ask her to share with you how she got where she is and most women will be happy to give you advice and help you reach your own career goals. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, so don’t be afraid to do it.
3 Human Interaction is Important
When you are trying to move up the career ladder, it’s important to make connections in person, not just online. Sitting down with someone and really discussing where your career is going and what you can do to speed things up is a lot more effective than having an email chat that goes on for days while you each wait for the other to get back to you. Plus, a lot is lost in online communications that will come out in a face to face talk.
4 Attend Networking Events
All the top dogs will tell you that they got where they are by networking on a consistent basis. I’m no fan of entering a room full of people I don’t know, but you can make some valuable connections there and maybe even meet the person who will help you take your career to the next level. Go to networking events whenever the opportunity presents itself. You’ll be so glad you did.
5 Do Your Homework Ahead of Time
Whether you’re meeting a contact at a company you want to work for or you’re negotiating a promotion at your current company, be prepared when you get there. Learn about the job or the company so you can break the ice and make it apparent that you care about the title or business and that you’ve spent your time finding out more. You’ll make a great first impression that way!
6 Keep Things Simple
Busy people don’t have time to read lengthy emails or listen to droning voice mails. When you contact someone about setting up a meeting or discussing a career move, keep it short and sweet and to the point. Like I did with this paragraph!
7 Make Sure There is Trust
If it’s totally obvious that you just want someone to help you get a certain job or be your sounding board, the relationship probably won’t evolve into something that could turn lucrative for you. Instead, build trust with that person and get to know them a little bit before you roll out your agenda.
8 Plan and Stay Organised
While this might sound like a no-brainer, you would be surprised at how many people still don't understand the importance of planning and organisation in a general sense. Always keep a day planner by your side and get into the habit of not only regularly checking it but also entering quick reminders and weekly activities that you need to stay on top of.
9 Patience is Key
It's important to remember that anyone who you are aspiring to be has been in your shoes once, in terms of just starting out and beginning at the bottom of the ladder. Don't feel discouraged if this is where you find yourself sitting, instead stay positive and patient as good things always comes to those who wait!
10 Say Yes to Opportunities
People in life who have a tendency to say 'yes' to new opportunities are often the ones who open more doors for themselves simply by having this kind of positive outlook on life. Remember to stay open minded and try to take on as many challenges as you can, so that you're allowing yourself to improve when necessary and get further with your career.
Which of these tips can you see yourself using? What other career advice can you add?
