Things you can do to boost your career now

There are certain must do things that improve your productivity at work. Meeting deadlines, excellent people skills, producing high quality work are just some of the most obvious things you ought to do. However, taking the time to better yourself will contribute greatly in advancing your career. Behold 9 ways you can incorporate in your life to boost your career without adding your office hours.

1.      Learn a new skill or enroll for a new free course

Expand your skill set by learning something new. The internet offers a huge variety of learning options that will spice up your resume. The beauty about online learning is that you do not have to fix classes into your busy schedule. You have the independence to join a course at your own free time. Whether it’s about fashion marketing, gender psychology or technology; you can be sure that you will learn something that will be beneficial in the day-to-day running of your office.

Check out www.EDx.org and www.coursera.org

2.      Join a professional organization

Capitalise in a professional organisation to meet new people and influencers in your industry. You will get to know the goings on outside your office, the triumphs and challenges people in your industry face. Should there be refresher courses, exclusive events, such organisations provide notifications for you to consider taking part.

3.      Find a mentor

Find a person who is where you want to be in your career to motivate you. Stay committed in establishing a long term mentor-mentee relationship by being authentic and keeping in touch. Obtaining unbiased life and career advice will motivate you in unparalleled ways. You will greatly benefit from constructive criticism and insight in shaping realistic goals.

4.      Create an online portfolio

A personal website will go a long way in personal and professional branding. Such a portfolio helps you position yourself as a leader in your field. Put yourself out there no matter your career path. Market yourself and the opportunities will come through.

5.      Volunteer

Volunteering offers a great platform to make new connections and pick up new skills. You will also feel good about yourself by helping in your community. Join the numerous opportunities offered by nonprofit organisations. In the end, you will have learnt effective problem-solving skills that will come in handy in the office. Such skills can easily elevate you from an office worker to a team leader.

PS: Some organisations actually ask about the volunteer activities you have been a part of.

6.      Read

Do your career a favour by reading thought provoking and inspiring books and articles. Reading expands your thinking and allows you to think outside the box. It is also an awesome way to beef up your knowledge and unwind at the same time. Pick up an entrepreneurship book and learn new perspectives and outlooks to boost your life and career.  

7.      Have an attitude adjustment

A positive attitude will always demonstrate initiative and result in high quality results. Enjoy your job and it will not feel like work. Be ready to take responsibility for yourself.  A positive attitude enables you to strike up conversations and helps you to network much easily.

8.      Dress for the job you want

This will boost your confidence and creativity. Dress for the job you aspire to have. Your dreams are valid after all. This is in its own sense, a motivating way of envisioning yourself at the top. It also goes into image branding. Should a chance come up and you find yourself standing in, you will fit in the position like you own it. You never know, you could be the next person in the power seat.

9.      Relax and Unwind

To maintain mental wellbeing and productivity, you have to create time to do things that rejuvenate you. Find time away from work and family and indulge in something that makes you truly happy. It could be taking a walk, watching a TV show or a movie or reading. Find your thing, and do it atleast once a week. You cannot be impressive at work or at your best creative self when you look and feel completely burnt out.