Brought to you by Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine:
A business management career is often challenging to navigate. Knowing how to avoid stalling and not progressing is key. You don’t want to spend months or even years going down the wrong path. Let’s look at some of the key ideas you need to be aware of to get ahead in business.
Be Aware of Current Trends and Updates in the Market
It’s no secret that industries are always moving and changing. Therefore, it’s important to keep up to date and not be left behind. If you were to take a career break of just a few short years, you’d be amazed by how much might have changed in terms of technology, legislation, and even who the big players are.
If you’re taking a career break for any reason, the best advice is to keep up with your CPD (continuing professional development) even though you aren’t working. This will be highly impressive to any potential employer because it will show dedication to your career even when you’re not working.
Have a Good Idea of Your Worth and Explore Other Opportunities
It’s one of the most common complaints you hear from employees, that their employer doesn’t realize what they truly bring to the organization. If this is really true, show them. Request to talk to your boss and discuss your strengths and where you’d like to go with your career. This will show your ambition and hopefully prompt your boss to develop a progression plan for you. If your boss doesn’t seem receptive to this, then there is no harm to look around and explore if other employers are willing to value you more.
Consider the Idea of Extra Qualifications
Extra education is almost always a positive in your career. When you’re working in a business, a post-graduate education can be extremely valuable to any potential employer. It’s thought that a good MBA is worth tens of thousands more in your salary compared to what you would earn otherwise. Getting a degree is a big undertaking, but nothing worthwhile in life is easy. Just make sure you prepare your application thoroughly and prepare for interviews and entrance exams.
Keep Your Contacts Current by Networking
Networking is the lifeblood of a business person, it’s key to get your name out there and bring in leads/referrals. Networking will benefit both you and the company you represent so you’re well-known around the industry for the right reasons. You’ll also develop a good book of contacts. If you ever need to hire someone, get advice, or find services, you’ll know exactly who to go to.
Is the Current Industry Best for You? Consider a Change
Is the position and industry you’re in still as right for you as it was when you started? It’s not essential to stay in one position, at one company, or in one industry. Keep in mind, you’re the asset. Although there will be some adjustment if you make a change, you have to prioritize what’s best for you. With obstacles such as equal pay to get around, the best place for you as a graduate might not be the best place for you 10 years later.
