Are you in stuck in a dead end in your career? Not sure how to advance or where to go from here? It’s a common problem, and we’re here to help you fix it. Depending on your situation, there are a few ways to go about taking that next step.
1. Take on something new. If you feel underused at work, try to find a new way to make good use of your time. First ask your supervisor if there are any loose ends to tackle—unfinished projects, client leads to track down, research to be done, etc. If not, think about things you could do to help your company without a direct assignment. Look over your company website and any promotional material to make sure it reads well and is error-free. Look into ways to streamline business, increase exposure or reduce overhead. If you do something to help without being told, it will show you’re willing to go the extra mile, and that can be just the thing to show your boss how valuable you are.
2. Take on something outside the office. If the above doesn’t work, try to find a project independently. Write blog posts or articles about your industry. Volunteer. Join a professional’s organization. Any of these, though not directly related to your job, show different talents and traits than office work and broaden your interest to future employers. They also give you great things to talk about, which can be extremely valuable when trying to advance—if your boss thinks you’re boring, he probably won’t think of you when it’s time to promote someone.
3. Submit your work to competitions. If you make anything from tables to logos to software, submit something in your portfolio to a contest. There’s no harm in trying—if you don’t win you just move on, and if you do (even if it’s just an honorable mention) you’ve gained a nice little commendation to put on your CV. This is a great way to both pave the road for future jobs and get your boss to realize your potential.
4. Look for a new job. If you really think your current job isn’t cutting it, make sure your resume is up to date and start looking for other positions. Even if a new job seems very similar to the old one, it’s a chance for a fresh start—new company, new dynamic, and new opportunities. Once you get an offer, go to your boss and have an honest talk. Tell her that you don’t feel your current position is making full use of your skills, and that unless she can do something to change that you’re going to take your expertise elsewhere. Depending on her response, you can evaluate whether the best move is staying where you are or taking the new job.
These are only a few of the many ways that exist to kick your career up a notch. Try them out and see what happens. We think you’ll like the results.