Seven career advice for women 2019

It is that time of the year when we have to strategize and plan for a new year.

After the festivities, responsibilities kick in almost immediately and if you don’t have plans for the New Year, then you might find yourself living by the day as time flies so fast.

2018 has generally been a good year for women. In terms of career growth, we have seen women venturing into careers that were initially perceived to be of the opposite gender or male dominated.

2019 is a promising year for women who want to step up and advance in their career. Here are a few tips on how you can advance in your career come New Year;

1. Find your focus

I once read somewhere that if you find the work that you love, you will never have to work for the rest of your life. Once you find your focus, it will be easier for you to stick to it and shine. Instead of focusing on the number of things you can do this minute, try thinking about the quality of what you’re doing and learning in the moment.

2. Build your network

“Your network is your net worth,” and no man is an island. For you to succeed and move a mile up in your career, you need to build and expand your networks. Network both inside and outside of your organization so that you have options if your situation changes. You want people to remember your name when interesting projects are being discussed. Get to know the right people and impress them with your work.

3. Get a career coach

This is especially important to track your growth and push you when you feel like you want to give up. Together with the mentor you will get to determine where you are currently in your career and where you want to be and at the same time, get a clear strategy to do that. To attain the vision, you have for your career, walk with someone who will always keep you accountable; someone who will let you know what you are doing right, wrong and show you the direction to take.

4. Be persistent

Life is full of ups and downs. In your career, it will not be a smooth ride, you will encounter setbacks on your way up. Don’t give up, if you really want that job or promotion. Sometimes things don’t happen as fast as we’d like but once you’ve set yourself a goal, be single minded about it. Write down your goals, review them regularly and get support to achieve them.

5. Be yourself

Speak your mind with confidence. As long as you have your facts right, don’t hesitate to be yourself. If your professional self is more aspirational than authentic, you’re likely to find yourself dissatisfied with the career path your persona has chosen for you. Whatever choices you make—job, relationships, skill-building—should be ones that fit with who you are, not necessarily who you think you should be.

6. Eradicate bad habits

It is important as you cross over to New Year, you to examine yourself and evaluate the bad habits that derail you from achieving your goals. We all have bad habits we could do with getting rid of, especially in work. Whether it’s eating at your desk, overworking or avoiding things that scare you, make it your business to destroy those habits in 2019.

7. Invest in yourself

Take up new courses and educate yourself on things that fascinate you. Acquire new skills and advance the ones that you already have. It is important to shield yourself with an education or information. Women should read more in 2019.