Accelerating your career growth is a top priority for professionals. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an industry veteran, how do you continue to advance in today's fast-moving, competitive workforce? Take steps today to position your career for continued growth by implementing the tips below.
Have a Learning Plan
Creating a learning path is a small but meaningful action that can take you from career stagnation to career growth. If you don’t know what your career path holds, don’t worry, you're not alone. According to a 2018 LinkedIn survey, nearly half (47%) of all professionals ages 35 - 44 say they aren’t sure what their career path should look like. A learning plan can mean many things, but ultimately it means you are setting aside intentional time to learn and grow new skills. Aaron Frydman, CIO at First United Bank shares the importance learning for IT professionals:
"It can be a challenge as a technologist to find time to learn. Having a development plan will support the path you have chosen. If you are looking to build skills outside of your typical field intentional learning can support changing paths."
Find a Mentor
Is there someone in your life that is dedicated to helping you grow professionally? Most likely there are a host of people who may have influenced your professional career. Did you know that 70% of successful professionals attribute their success to a mentor? Being a mentor doesn’t take a specialized skillset, just a willingness to dedicate time and effort to helping another grow.
"A mentor isn't only good for your career, it's good for business."
Mentoring plays a pivotal part in one’s personal and professional growth. In a recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and The National Mentoring Partnership, it was found that:
- 67% of businesses reported an increase in productivity due to mentoring
- 55% of businesses felt that mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
- 87% of mentors & mentees feel empowered by their mentoring relationship & develop greater confidence
Find out if your current employer offers a formal mentorship program. If not, reach out to an admired and respected professional you're currently connected to and ask if they would be willing to set aside time to share their expertise. Chances are they would be happy to share their knowledge.
Power Your Purpose
We don’t just come to work to earn money, we come because we have an inherent need to serve a purpose. There are countless surveys that show being fulfilled in our work is a top priority for employees.
First United Bank's Business Systems Manager Wendy O'Rear speaks about how purpose has driven her career, "I went into IT because I wanted to make a difference. There isn’t a class you can take to learn how to do what my team and I do...sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and figure it out. I stay in IT because I know what I do each day matters. My work results in a good experience for customers or employees, and that matters."
"I stay in IT because I know what I do each day matters."
The key to honing in on your purpose is to focus on something bigger than yourself. Don’t focus on what you want for yourself, but where you can make an impact for others.
Interested in career acceleration at First United Bank?
We Are HiringRelated Resources
Join Our Team
Find out what it's like working at First United Bank and how you can spend your talents wisely!
LEARN MORE
Advice for Starting Your Career
Advice for someone starting their career from the First United Bank Executive Team.
READ MORE