My first full-time job directly out of college was as a receptionist. It was exactly what I needed then, and I loved it. I was ready to spread my wings, have my own apartment, and do all the things that 19-year-olds do. I worked in a very busy office for a national real estate company.
At the time, I wasn’t thinking about my career. I wanted enough money to move away from home, have a car, and have fun. And I did. I also made some timely career decisions and increased my responsibilities and my pay.
Fortunately, I had an epiphany about seven years later that if I wanted to create a career from what I was doing, I could.
I know that not everyone comes to that realization early in their adulthood. Some people never fully take responsibility for their careers and instead wait for the company or the economy to make decisions for them.
Unfortunately, as many people find out, those decisions are typically not about you skyrocketing your career but instead about finding a new job. The job market is competitive, so having these essential qualities will help you stand out regardless if you are looking for a new job or deciding to take control of your career trajectory.
- Show your leadership skills. Regardless of your role, leadership is valued. Show others that you can take charge without being bossy. Leadership qualities such as decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire others are essential for career growth.
My son, Patrick, has a great career in southern Ontario (I’m a very proud mom of my boys!). He knows that his company is where he wants to spend his career. He also knows that doing a “good” job is not enough to skyrocket his career. It might be enough to keep his job but not take him where he wants to go.
Patrick is a leader by getting involved in the United Way campaign at the office. He is leading some innovations to celebrate and campaign for employee donations. He is getting noticed by senior leadership by being a leader.
Think about different areas where you can lead and be a leader in your job.
- Have a strong work ethic. It means being committed and dedicated to your work, but it does not mean you don’t have boundaries and are a doormat. With a strong work ethic, you prioritize your responsibilities, meet deadlines, and go above and beyond what is expected of you. People know they can count on you, and because you can take charge (leadership), they don’t walk all over you and dump all their work on you. You know what needs to get done, and you get it done. You’re reliable, productive, trustworthy, professional, and motivated. Your work alone will speak volumes about you, so ensure you do a good job!
Don’t use excuses, don’t throw blame, and have a great attitude.
- Recognize there is always more to learn. That doesn’t mean what you are doing is wrong or outdated, but it does mean that you are always looking to improve processes and procedures. Belonging to a professional association, attending workshops/webinars, and having a professional designation will continue to give you new perspectives, and you will stand out among others. Continuous learning and self-improvement is a mindset that allows you to stay ahead of the curve.
Reading this blog is a great example. If you weren’t interested in learning, you wouldn’t have got this far in reading. Are you asking yourself throughout, “Am I doing that?” Are you willing to take charge of your career? That may mean there are a few areas you need to brush up on or update your skills. It doesn’t mean you are old, outdated, or unhireable. It means you know you always want to know what is ahead and not afraid to go before your job requires you to.
- Be adaptable and flexible. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, adaptability and flexibility are crucial qualities that can skyrocket your career. Industries are constantly evolving, technologies are advancing at an unprecedented rate, and the business landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. To thrive and excel in such an environment, it is essential to possess the ability to adapt and be flexible.
I have often told the story of Hazel, who was the main switchboard operator at the real estate company where I worked. She was convinced that computers were a phase and refused to adjust how she worked. She was convinced that voice mail and phone systems would never replace a switchboard operator. She staked her job on it and lost. I hear people saying similar things about artificial intelligence and automation. Your job will evolve during your career. Everyone’s job does! By not being flexible and adaptable, you are making career-ending decisions, not career-skyrocketing decisions. You don’t have to like all the changes, but you need to learn to be adaptable and flexible.
- Build relationships. Relationships are key! Great jobs are rarely found online. They are found through someone you know who thinks of you when the job opening happens (not when the job is posted to the public – which doesn’t always happen!). We’ve all heard the expression, “It’s not what you know that matters, but instead who you know.”
I have had some great opportunities offered because of the relationships I have. My son, Christopher, has an amazing job he wouldn’t have known about except a contact I have asked me about his skills. If you think about it, you can say the same (hopefully).
Be easy to work with. Be likable and kind. Stay away from gossip, trash talk, and negativity. Stop complaining about the company, leadership, or your boss. If you need to vent, have that trusted friend/partner you can vent with, but don’t use any open set of ears to voice your negativity.
Be sure to network, reach out, learn, and invite. It isn’t about being artificially connected to the entire world; it is about connecting with enough people so that when opportunities arise, they think of you.
This list could continue long past my five qualities, as skyrocketing your career isn’t about only five things. Having a career you are in control of is strategic, not accidental.
I started as a receptionist, which was a great fit for me. I took a few other jobs as I was looking for more money and responsibility. Once I decided to have a career that I was in control of and knew what I wanted, that career was in my control, and it felt like it skyrocketed for me.
November 2023 marks my 30th anniversary of being self-employed. I took control and never regretted taking control. My career is my responsibility. I hope you’ll do the same.
