Are you transitioning to a new workplace this summer? If so, there are several things you may want to consider—especially if it’s been a few years since your last career move.
The work world is constantly changing, and today’s business culture is very different from just a few years ago. Certainly, it’s a monumental change from the work environment of your parents and grandparents.
If you enter the full-time work force at age twenty-one, you can count on fifty years of work, changing jobs every three to four years, and having three or more careers. Most companies exist to produce a product and make money. Your job exists to add value, solve problems, and enable your company to be successful for the owners. So, it is vitally important that you understand the purpose of your job and how to be successful in it.
When you begin your new career, it is critical that you lay out a success plan that will enable you to stay on a trajectory of growth to continually add value to your work assignment.
Consider these points in your strategy toward workplace success:
- Determine the technical skills required to do your job, such as the ability to develop Excel spreadsheets for financial reports. Are you proficient in the necessary skills for your particular role? (Competency)
- Attend training to acquire expertise in transferable skills such as internet research, project management, PowerPoint presentations, public speaking, and letter/document writing. (Competency)
- Refine soft skills such as time management, taking initiative, receiving and delivering feedback, critical problem-solving, collaborative teamwork, and effective listening that are absolutely essential to be fully engaged and considered a welcomed team member. (Chemistry)
- Create an opportunity for regular feedback from your supervisor so you can be aligned with expectations of company leadership. (Chemistry)
- Sharpen your values so you can be trusted with both personal and professional information. Your character and integrity will be challenged. (Character)
- Develop a work/life balance so you are renewed each day to face the challenges of your personal and professional life. Three key ingredients to maintaining a healthy body are adequate sleep, proper diet, and regular exercise. (Competency)
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses in relation to your job. Seek help and training for your limitations so you can be successful in your career. (Competency)
- Build your network even though you may be freshly settled in a new job. It will provide you with new job opportunities as you progress in your career. (Chemistry)