Feeling stuck in your career or job? Want to move up but don’t know how to? Here are five things you can do to get unstuck and get the job of your dreams!

 

1. Write down your goals

Start thinking about the future. Think about where you see yourself in 5 years’ time. Start by writing down 5 long-term goals. Then try to break these long-term goals into more achievable milestones and an action list. As an example, if you would like to start your own company to help people fix their computers, write this down as one of your long-term goals.
 
Long-term goal: Start your own business to help people fix their computers.
Now break it into smaller goals, for example:

  • Action 1: Get the right skills to run a small business – do a business management course.
  • Action 2: Write a business plan – search online for business plan templates that could help you.
  • Action 3: Get someone to help finance the business – start networking with different people to see who would be interested in investing in your business. You might have to apply at a bank to get the start-up funds you need.

Having a plan is your blueprint for success! Remember to keep your plan flexible, as your circumstances might change, and your career plans might have to be altered in some way.

Also read: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Making a Major Life Decision

 

2. Figure out what skills you need to succeed

If you don’t have the skills for your dream job, now is the time to start adding to your current skill set. If you would like to become a Project Manager, but you don’t have any project management skills, start by getting involved in things at work that will teach you some of the specific skills you’ll need. Also start looking at part-time courses that could help you.

Find out more about: Studying Project Management Courses from Home

By adding to your skill set, you will give yourself an advantage over other potential candidates.

 

3. Get a mentor

A good way to further your efforts in reaching your goals is to find yourself a mentor. Seek out someone who has experience in the business you want to venture into, who can guide you to make the best decisions for your business (and your career), and who can familiarise you with the kind of procedures that will see your business take off. A mentor will be able to give you good feedback, and will help you come up with ideas.

 

4. Network, network, network

Networking is important. Keep in touch with old colleagues, friends, and managers. Never burn any bridges when you leave a job – make sure you leave with your professional network intact. You never know when an opportunity might present itself.

 

5. Stay positive

It’s important to stay positive – you might not be in your dream job right now, but with clearly planned goals and by adding to your current skills, you are on a path to success!

 

Taking control of your career requires a lot of commitment from you. You need to have clarity about the route you want to embark on and you need to have a plan of how you will get there. To succeed, you have to start by putting together your plan of action by writing down your long-term goal, and breaking it down into smaller goals that you can tackle. Figure out what skills you need and how you will get them. Find yourself a mentor who will be able to give you the necessary guidance, and keep on networking. Achieving your goals all depends on you and your dedication, so keep focused and stay positive.

 

Take action now! Go to www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za/courses/ to find the course that will give you the skills you need to reach the next level in your career.

 

Note: This article was originally published on 6 August 2014, and has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.