How to Have a Successful Career

Many of us feel like we are not progressing fast enough in our careers despite working diligently and hard. Experts remind us of the fact that "working hard is not enough". What can be done to improve the conditions for career advancement? Let's recall some tips.

1. Have something to offer - invest in education

We all hear examples of people who do not have a university or even a high school education, and who have become successful, famous, or rich. Very often we hear about so-called "bloggers", various "Kardashians" or how even Bill Gates didn't finish university. No one tells us about how many "bloggers" and "Kardashians" have failed to break through and are living on the edge of existence today. Recently, CanadaWiz released a table of the best paying jobs in Canada for 2023. Based on this information, all the best-paid jobs in 2023 require a university degree (some examples are: cardiologist, psychiatrist, microbiologist, pilot, engineer in the oil industry, gynecologist, anesthesiologist, surgeon, orthodontist).

Competition in the labor market is increasing. It very often happens that those who spend many years in one workplace and do not invest in additional education have a problem getting a new job. For this reason, it is inevitable to stay in the game and invest time, money and energy in various certifications related to the profession in which you work, such as:

• P.Eng – Professional Engineer (www.peo.on.ca);
• PMP – Project Management Professional (www.pmi.org);
• PgMP – Program Management Professional- (www.pmi.org);
• CSM - Certified Scrum Master (CSM) 
• CPA - Chartered Professional Accountant (www.cpacanada.ca); 

2. The world is changing, embrace the changes

Nowadays, the world is changing very quickly. We are witnessing the accelerated progress of technology, which brings about the loss of many traditional jobs, but also the creation of jobs that did not exist until now. It is very common to comment that today's generations are being trained for jobs that don't exist yet. Therefore, today, more than ever, it is necessary to show flexibility and readiness to accept changes.

Therefore, do not oppose change, instead, be a leader who follows, accepts, and implements them. This way, you will prevent the possibility of being ‘left behind’ in your company, doing a boring and unsatisfying job.

Recommended reading: "Who Moved my Cheese?" by Spencer Johnston.

3. Get out of your comfort zone

"There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone" is a well-known truth that sometimes we cannot come to terms with. It's easy to settle into a familiar environment and do a well-known job, but this comes at a price of stagnation. So, force yourself to accept new challenges, volunteer, and expand your horizons.

4. You are responsible for your own career

Many companies have programs where you need to present your multi-year professional plans to your superiors. Very often this leaves us convinced that our employer would make an effort to help us achieve these goals. This is a trap that young people fall into very often.

We should always know what we want to achieve professionally and keep in mind that our career is solely our responsibility, and any additional help from superiors is welcome.

5. Build your network

"It's not what you know but who you know" is a well-known mantra in today's business world. Use all the opportunities available to you to meet new people (business seminars, sports events, parents' meetings, cultural performances, etc.).

Also, try to make close acquaintances with those new acquaintances. Never hesitate to be the first to help new acquaintances, this way you will have more confidence to ask for a favor when the moment comes when you need their help.

6. Know yourself

To be able to work on building yourself up, you need to find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. There are many interesting psychological tests available online that should be taken regardless of whether you like the results or not (examples: "360 assessment"; "Strength Finder 2.0" by Tom Rath; "EQi - Emotional Intelligence").

7. Find a mentor

Wikipedia says: “Mentoring relationships is a highly individualized process of learning and represents one of the highest quality forms of pedagogical interactions between the teacher and his student."

One of the common characteristics of people who have a successful career is that they always had a mentor. Do not hesitate, get involved in mentoring programs that exist in your companies or organizations of which you are a member. It's always good to hear someone else's opinion and honest advice.

8. Build your reputation

Whatever you do, always do the best you can. The fact is that if you just procrastinate and do the bare minimum, no one will believe that you can show significant results in other circumstances. The reputation you build will follow you wherever you go.

You may not be aware, but we all build our personal brand every day and we need to keep working on it.

With the use of the Internet and social media, it's easier than ever for employers to learn more about you and your qualifications before meeting you.

A strong personal brand can help you stand out, stand out from the competition and get the job you want.

Increase your visibility, create a portfolio, secure your online presence, leave a positive impression on potential employers. In other words, create your BRAND.