Degree Search USA

Five Tips to Get Your Career on Track

Shannon Kietzman, Contributing Writer

Now that it is a New Year, it is time to start looking at ways to give your career the boost that it needs. Whether you are getting bored with your current job or you are looking to take it to the next level, there is no better time than now to take a closer look at making a change for the future. To that end, here is a look at resolutions to consider making for the New Year.

Tip #1: Update Your Resume

At a very minimum, you should take the time to update your resume once per year. This way, you will have a current resume to disperse when the time comes to find a new job. Or, if a new position becomes available in your company, you will have an updated resume to submit for that position. Even if a resume is not required when applying for a position within your current company, maintaining an up-to-date resume will help you refresh your memory regarding your accomplishments as you interview for the position.

Tip #2: Take on a New Project

If you are interested in taking your career to the next level, you should seriously consider stepping outside of your comfort zone to take on a new project. Not only will this help to get you noticed, but it will also give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for. Even if your efforts are not appreciated by your current employer, it will certainly look good on your resume when looking for a new job.

Tip #3: Do Your Research

To increase your knowledge within your field, take the time to do a little bit of independent research in an area that is meaningful in your field. Or, if you are unhappy with your current position, use this time to research other companies that might make better use of your knowledge and experience.

Tip #4: Get Additional Training

To make yourself more useful to your current employer or to make yourself more marketable to future employers, consider pursuing additional training opportunities. Regardless of the field you are in, there are likely to be workshops available through a variety of different organizations, companies and educational institutions. Even if it is just a 1-day workshop, the knowledge you gain just might help you see your job in a new way that will allow you to take it to the next level.

Tip #5: Go Back to School

If you are interested in moving up in your field or even switching gears to a new career, heading back to school is the perfect way to do it. Whether you take one class or you take on a full-time schedule, earning a graduate degree in your field or a degree in a new field is almost guaranteed to give your career the shot in the arm you're looking for

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