Build a career that is strong and long-lasting

focussed career

If you are dynamic, dedicated and decisive, then no one can stop you carving a distinct niche in your preferred industry and earn both respect and rewards wherever you go. To enable you to have a better career, here are some tips to help you leverage your career to your advantage and secure your future.

Focus more on the career than a job:

A job is skill oriented and has a short-term perspective while a career has a long-term perspective. Be clear about what path and industry you would like to establish your career in. Your interest and liking should be more towards the field you choose and less towards the kind of company you might land in. Gaining experience should be of prime importance and this decision should be taken very smartly because it will not only affect your career, but your life too.

Build an experiential learning curve: It is very important to keep updating your knowledge and be aware of current affairs. This exercise should be followed aggressively otherwise you will be lag behind. On-the-job learning can prove to be a life changing experience, so try to learn as much as you can from the job that you have been assigned. Keep a small notebook to note what you have learnt and what skill you would like to retain. Correct your mistakes and focus on not repeating them.

Observe and listen intently: The skills that you learn while listening is irreplaceable. Silence is a good strategy and can achieve you numerous wise words coming from the speaker. The more you listen, the wiser you become.

Avoid frequent job changes: Aim for long term success to short term successes which can come from job hopping. Job hopping is often not seen kindly among companies. It is imperative to stay in an organisation for long and gain trust and goodwill among people with your behaviour and work. Be unique and hence be appreciated by the people you work with. Build your own reputation and sustain it for better prospects in future.

Master your craft: Build your expertise in such a way that it cannot be copied.  It is advisable to follow your mentor but don’t lose your originality. Be yourself and create a space for yourself. Although nobody is indispensable in this world, but your originality and uniqueness will gain you appreciation.

Avoid office politics: Focus on your work by making at least one significant contribution daily. Save your precious energy from futile conversations as this  should be utilised in sharpening your professional skills. It is not just important to be present physically somewhere but contribute in the right way and get noticed.

Learn the skills of networking: Start networking from your first day at work. As you make more new connections, ensure that you don’t forget the old and be graceful with them upon leaving.

Think – feel – do: Positivity is judged the minute you enter the room. There will be good and bad times but one should not get deterred. Keep your mental state intact and work with the positivity. Your attitude will reflect your charm and hence create a growing environment.

Be pro-active: Take initiative and extend your services beyond your scope of work. Be responsible and resourceful and gain the trust of your seniors by offering them your support for other things. Take the first step and offer your prudent suggestions. 

Avoid impulsive decisions: As the famous saying goes, “think before you speak”. Though it is difficult for most of the people, keep in mind that impulsive words can do more harm than good. Their reactions are often negative. Most of the well-known leaders such as Ratan Tata and Narayana Murthy are known for their controlled actions. They have developed a habit of thinking twice before making a statement.

(the writer is Dean, Delhi School of Communication, New Delhi)