13 Ways to Initiate Career Growth

13 Ways to Initiate Career Growth

Making new goals for the new year feels exciting and full of possibilities –until February rolls around and we realize that setting resolutions is the easy part; sticking to them is where the real challenge lies. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can stay on track and make progress on your New Year’s goals.

Here are seven actionable tips to help you follow through on your resolutions and make this new year your most productive one yet!

1. Gain clarity on your career goals.

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to step back and ask yourself questions such as:

•  What do I want to achieve at work and in my career this year?
• What skills do I need to develop to advance my career?
• Are there specific roles or projects I want to pursue?
• How can I better align my daily work with my long-term career goals?
• What support and resources do I need to succeed?



Once you have spent some time identifying your long-term targets, you can start breaking down your overall goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. Write everything down, including your questions (as well as the solutions you have brainstormed), in a place where you can access them easily. Keeping a written record will not only keep your end goals front and center but will also help you verify that your weekly tasks align with and contribute to your overall vision as much as possible.

2. Create a Routine

Consistency is key to reaching your goals. Whether you block out time on your calendar, set reminders, or pick a specific time each day, having a routine makes it easier to keep making progress.

3. Learn New Skills and Keep Up with Industry Trends

Continuous learning is essential to advancing your career. This could involve taking courses, earning additional certifications, or simply staying up to date with the latest trends and developments in your industry. Identify an area that excites you or aligns with future trends in your industry and start building your expertise. Even if you dedicate just 15 minutes a day to practicing a new skill, you'll be amazed at how far you've come by the end of the year.

4. Increase Your Reading

Make it a goal to read one professional development book a month. From leadership to productivity hacks, there's a book for every career path. You can also sign up for a

relevant blog to receive free information and insider tips. Reading more will not only accelerate your continuous learning and help you gain vital insights but also provide great conversation starters for networking events!

5. Seek Feedback

Ask regularly for feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors to get a sense of what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Use this feedback to set specific goals for yourself and to create an action plan for improving areas that need improvement.

6. Build a Solid Professional Network

Strong professional relationships are often the key to hearing about unadvertised roles, gaining valuable advice, or even landing referrals that accelerate your career growth. Try to attend events and start setting monthly coffee dates with peers, mentors, or industry leaders. And don’t forget to embrace virtual options such as video calls and online networking events to connect with professionals worldwide! It might take some time and patience, but gaining a network of contacts is one of the most vital and irreplaceable components for career growth.

7. Find an Accountability Partner

It’s helpful to share your goals with a friend who can help keep you on track. Regular check-ins with an accountability buddy create a sense of responsibility, making quitting harder. Plus, having someone in your corner can make the whole process much more enjoyable.

8. Find a mentor or become a mentor — or both!

Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to grow your career. Look to people you admire at work and consider asking them to share more about their careers. And if you’re a more senior member of your team, you could even consider mentoring someone yourself this year. It’s gratifying to pass on your knowledge and lend a helping hand to someone in your workplace!

9. Update your resume

It's always best to update your resume periodically before you lose track of the information you need. Make it a work goal for the year to review and edit your resume, even if you don't plan on applying anywhere. Having a detailed, up-to-date list of your accomplishments and experience is something you always want to keep handy.

10. Review and improve your LinkedIn profile

In the professional world, LinkedIn is crucial to your overall personal brand. Just like your resume, you need to keep the information, tone, and look up to date. Check out

some of your connections' profiles and see if they're doing anything different that grabs your attention, or do some research and change your page accordingly.

11. Volunteer

Volunteering has many benefits, from having a positive effect on the world and others to increasing self-esteem and networking with like-minded people. Find a cause that is meaningful to you and sign up to contribute. If you really want to step up your game, you can see if you can convince your workplace to make it an official event and recruit coworkers to volunteer with you so that you can create a team-bonding experience.

12. Work Towards a Promotion

Start by identifying what it takes to move up. Talk to your manager about growth opportunities and map out the skills you need to develop that will enable you to take the next step. Take initiative by offering to spearhead new projects and organize team-building activities. Remember, stepping into leadership roles consistently showcases your value and potential to management and signals that you are ready for bigger responsibilities.

13. Set a "Challenge Goal"

Consider stepping outside your comfort zone and taking on an exciting new challenge. Whether it’s leading a significant initiative, writing a book about your area of expertise, or launching a new product, challenge yourself to achieve something incredible.

Your career is an ongoing journey, and it’s up to you to take control and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Whether you’re just starting out or simply looking to make a change, these tips will help you take your career to the next level in the new year and beyond. Set aside time for regular check-ins with yourself—and with your support system—to ensure you’re consistently working toward the right goals. And don’t forget that it’s entirely normal for your goals to evolve as you gain new experiences and insights.

Perhaps your career growth plan includes a job change, or at least a look into what’s available in your field. Now is the time to connect with Career Concepts. We’ve been connecting the right people with the right position for over 50 years. Contact us today, and let us help you with your career growth initiative.