Tag Archives: advance your career

Five Tips for Your Career Future

habits_better_leader_webIn his 2010 New York Times Bestseller, “Linchpin,” Seth Godin proposes that the future of work will look dramatically different. He uses the term linchpin to describe the type of workers who will be needed and thrive as the workforce and businesses adjust to new technologies and trends.

“Linchpins are the essential building blocks of tomorrow’s high-value organizations. They don’t bring capital or expensive machinery, nor do they blindly follow instructions and merely contribute labor,” Godin says. “Linchpins are indispensable, the driving force of our future.”

With that in mind, it’s important that every worker consider the goals they want for their career.

Think About What You Want

As you sit down and begin to think about your future, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Is it owning your own business or becoming a leader in the company where you work right now? Maybe it involves making a hobby your full-time job.

All of these are great starting points for picking out the place you want to be, and taking the steps to get there. Don’t let questions about how you’ll get there enter your thought process just yet. Think big and audaciously right now, then you can move on to the next step.

Research

Now that you have an idea for where you want to be in your career, it’s time to do your due diligence and research what it will take for you to reach your goal.

If the future you see for your career involves a leadership role, find out the steps you need to take to make yourself a candidate for that position. Are there projects or tasks that you can take the lead on right now that will demonstrate your ability to lead? Spend time reading leadership books from authors like John Maxwell, Ken Blanchard, and the previously mentioned Seth Godin.

Research will be the solid foundation upon which you build the career you envision for yourself.

Ask Around

While in your research phase, it’s important to spend time talking with friends, mentors, and anyone else you think can offer insight and advice as you work toward your future goal. Ask them to be honest about the struggles you may face so you will be prepared to take the next steps.

If your future career is going to take you into business ownership or a new industry, seek out people who have experience as an entrepreneur or who are currently in the field where you want to work. Their value to your success is beyond measure, so be patient with their schedules, but persistent and learn what they have to share.

Keep Learning

You’ve done the research and spent time with people who can offer wisdom and insight into the career future you want to achieve, now it’s time to keep learning. The saying “knowledge is power” is absolutely true, so now is not the time to stop learning everything you can to set yourself up for success.

This could involve more reading and discussions with experts, but it could also mean more education like taking classes or earning certifications.

If you’re thinking about transitioning into a new industry or advancing in your current profession, then courses and certifications are a great resource. Plus, many can be done completely online and at a relatively low cost.

The website Coursera.org offers online classes from top universities in a variety of topics, from business to computer science to learning a new language. Maybe you’d like to learn about coding, a skill that is becoming more and more valuable as businesses look for people with advanced computer skills. Sites like CodeAcademy, Udemy and Code Avengers offer free classes to learn how to code and build websites and apps.

Take the Step

Something you may not realize when you get to this point in the process is that you’ve already taken several steps in the right direction.

You may feel nervous or anxious about fully committing to the future you see for your career, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be 80% of the way complete. You’ve identified your goal, done your research, reached out to those who have the knowledge and insight you need, and continued or began learning the skills to be successful.

The next step is to fully commit to your future, to believe you have what it takes to achieve your goal.

What other tips would you offer to someone who’s thinking about their career’s future? Share them in the comments section below.

3 Surprising Jobs that Pay Big Bucks

Suprising_Jobs_Big_Bucks_Dec2013_new_webIf you’re looking for a job that’s in high demand, growing industries that will allow you to work your way  to the top, or a chance to advance your career, we have exciting information for you. Here are the average salaries of three jobs that can surprisingly pay big bucks.

 

CDL Truck Driver
$49,000-$78,000

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a key that can open many doors to professional opportunities. If you enjoy driving, traveling, and working alone, truck driving may be a great job opportunity for you to consider. Each state has its own set of application procedures and training regulations. The testing tends to be strenuous and includes both written and a three-part skills exam. If you’re interested in getting a CDL, visit dmv.org to learn more.

Welder
$36,000-$63,000

Do you like the idea of working outdoors? Traveling? Gaining new skills? There’s more than likely a welding job for you! Welding is a part of just about everything you see every day: the car you drive, the bridge you drove over this morning, the school you pass by every day, and much more. Career options for welders include: work in the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, commercial construction, mining, agriculture, wholesale trade, and repair and maintenance. From the tallest skyscrapers to appliances that help make our lives easier, welders play a critical role in keeping our economy moving. If you have math and science skills, or if you’re going to college to become a welding engineer, you can have a long lasting career, making a competitive salary. If you don’t have previous experience, that’s ok!  Some vo-tech schools provide training courses that are affordable and last anywhere from 12-45 weeks. You can also find schools that solely focus on welding.

CNC Machinist
$40,000-$78,000

If you’re not familiar with machinery you may not know anything about Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists or what they do. Computer Numerical Control machinists use programs to automatically execute a series of operations. CNC machines offer increased productivity and flexibility for companies. Everything that an operator would be required to do with conventional machine tools is programmable with a CNC machine.  They are normally found in machine shops, but with recent development of inexpensive controllers, are now showing up more commonly in home shops. CNC machines are often part of the machining process when products of high quantity are needed. For example, CNC machines produce precision parts for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

To become a CNC machinist the first requirement is to complete a post-secondary education program. These programs are available from a wide range of community and career colleges. Candidates are required to complete a training program before applying for a job. Classes for full-time students are 16 months and for part-time students are 29 months.

Have you or someone you know experienced success with one of these careers? Share your story with us in the comments section below.