6 Strategies Advancing Your Career Thru Professional Growth

Investing in your professional growth and seeking out strategies to advance your career can have numerous benefits, such as increased salaries, greater respect, and the opportunity to take on more exciting projects. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to take the next step in your professional development, there are many strategies that you can use to grow and advance.

Sampoerna University is committed to supporting our students and alumni in their professional growth and career advancement. To that end, we have compiled a list of 6 (six) strategies that can help you take control of your career and achieve your goals.

From setting career goals and investing in learning and development, to networking and building relationships, these strategies will provide you with a foundation for success. By implementing these strategies, you can continue to grow and succeed in your career.

Strategies for Advancing Professionally

1. Maintain Relationships With Your Professional Network.

One simple but effective strategy for advancing your career is to make an effort to build, nurture, and maintain your professional network. This can be especially valuable when it comes to finding a new job or advancing in your current organization.

In fact, research suggests that between 70 and 85 percent of all job openings are filled through networking, whether online or in person. Additionally, up to 80 percent of jobs are never publicly advertised, so networking can be the only way to learn about certain opportunities.

Therefore, taking the time to cultivate your network can have a significant impact on your career growth. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Stay connected. Keep in touch with people you already know, including former coworkers, supervisors, and professors. These connections can be a valuable source of information about job openings and may even be willing to recommend you for a position.
• Attend industry events. Events such as lectures, trade shows, and meetups are a great way to meet people in your field and learn about potential job opportunities.
• Be a good contact. Helping others in your network can increase the likelihood that they will return the favor when the opportunity arises. Consider writing recommendations or alerting people to job openings that might interest them. By being a good contact, you can stay top of mind and strengthen your network.

2. Find a Good Mentor.

The American Society for Training and Development conducted a survey in which 75 percent of executives reported that mentoring played a critical role in their career development. Even for non-executives, mentoring is often cited as an effective way to learn new skills, transition into a new role, and advance in one’s career.

Finding a good mentor will depend on your industry and career goals. Here are a few tips to help you locate a mentor who can guide you in your career:

• Ask your employer. Many organizations offer formal or informal mentorship programs to help their employees develop. If your company has such a program, inquire about how to participate.
• Get creative. If your employer doesn’t offer a mentorship program, there are other options you can pursue. For example, college professors, experienced family members, and professional groups may offer mentorship opportunities.
• Look for someone who has been in your shoes. An effective mentor will have succeeded in the role you are currently in or are about to enter, and will have used that success to advance their own career.
• Consider mentors within your industry. While you may be able to find a good mentor outside your industry, it can be especially helpful to find a mentor within your specialized field.

3. Have Good Responsibility.

Be proactive in seeking out additional tasks and projects. This can help you learn new skills, demonstrate your leadership abilities, and prevent you from becoming stagnant in your current role.

Even if the experience doesn’t directly result in a promotion or title change, it can still be instrumental in advancing your career. Remember, it’s important to be your own advocate and take the initiative to ask for more responsibility. This shows your employer that you are eager to learn and grow in your career.

4. Take Performance Reviews Seriously.

Performance reviews can be a valuable tool for both employers and employees, but only if they are taken seriously. Too often, these reviews are rushed and not given the attention they deserve. However, when done properly, performance reviews can help employers identify areas where employees are meeting expectations and areas where they may be falling short. 

They can also be a helpful way for employees to communicate their professional development goals to their employer or supervisor, and work together to create a plan to achieve those goals.

Whether that involves learning new skills, gaining new experience, or something else, performance reviews can be an effective way to set and work towards professional development goals.

5. Master Your Industry.

If you work in an industry that requires specialized knowledge and skills, it’s important to make an effort to continuously learn about your business and industry. This will help you better understand and communicate about the issues your industry and organization are facing, and demonstrate your expertise.

To stay current, you can read industry publications, join professional groups, and attend trade shows or lectures. Look for opportunities to apply this knowledge and improve in your role. By continuously learning, you’ll be better equipped to succeed in your career.

6. Furthering Your Education.

Furthering your education can be an effective strategy for advancing in your career, whether you want to stay with your current organization, transition to a new role, or work in a new industry.

Continuing your education gives you a structured path to learn the skills you need for success and demonstrates to employers that you are a lifelong learner who values self-improvement.

The specific steps you take to further your education will depend on your current level of education. For example, earning an undergraduate degree that aligns with your career goals and desired industry can qualify you for up to 57 percent more job opportunities and help you earn approximately $1 million more throughout your career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each higher level of education also tends to translate into higher average pay and lower unemployment rates. For example, individuals with a bachelor’s degree typically earn around $62,296 per year, while those with a master’s degree earn an average of $74,568 per year, and those with a doctorate earn an average of $94,900 per year.

Preparing for the next stage of your career

As you approach the next phase of your professional journey, it’s important to consider the tools and resources that will help you succeed. One option worth considering is furthering your education through a reputable university like Sampoerna University.

Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sampoerna University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as business, engineering, and computer science. With a focus on experiential learning and industry partnerships, the university provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

But education at Sampoerna University is about more than just earning a degree. The university’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals is evident in the range of extracurricular activities and organizations available to students.

From sports teams and cultural clubs to professional development workshops and leadership programs, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved and grow both personally and professionally.

Additionally, Sampoerna University’s strong alumni network means that students can tap into a wealth of resources and support even after they graduate. With a reputation for producing highly skilled and successful professionals, a degree from Sampoerna University can open doors to exciting career opportunities and help you reach your full potential.

So if you’re ready to take the next step in your career, consider investing in your future with a degree from Sampoerna University. You’ll receive a top-quality education, gain valuable skills and experience, and be part of a supportive and ambitious community. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – start your application today!

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