Tips to Thrive: Take Charge of Your Career

There are a lot of things in this world that are out of our control – but the energy and effort that you bring to your job is entirely up to you. If you’re feeling a little unsure about your professional future, remember that there are simple steps you can take to be more in control of your success. Take charge of your career by following these tips, and you will be on your way to leveling up your career:

	Make an Action Plan You don’t need to have your whole future mapped out, but having an idea of what you are working towards will help you keep your career moving in the right direction. What skills do you want to learn in your current job? Is there room for growth in your organization, and if so, what do you need to achieve to be on track? These are important things to consider when you are trying to advance your career.
	Be Proactive Are you encountering any challenges in your current job, such as difficulty meeting deadlines, a low level of engagement in your work, or issues cooperating with a difficult coworker? Don’t just hope that no one notices – tackle the problem head-on by evaluating your available resources and asking for help if needed. Being proactive about solving challenges will not only help you grow and take charge of your career, but it will also help you establish a great professional reputation.
	Say Yes to Opportunities You never know where a new challenge may take you, so think twice if your instinct is to say ‘no’ when asked to take on a new project or task at work. Those situations provide opportunities to learn new skills, develop new strengths and competencies, and increase your job security. Maybe you’ll even find a new passion that could change the course of your career!
	Ask for Feedback If your supervisor doesn’t provide much feedback on your performance, don’t be afraid to ask for it periodically. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will help ensure that both you and your employer are on the same page about upcoming goals and objectives so that you can stay on track for success.