Career Management Tips

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

Make the most of your career by managing every aspect of it, from professional development to financial compensation. Here are a few tips to help keep your career on track.

Career Management Tip #1: Seek Opportunities for Business Advancement

Whatever business you work for, you need to consider the opportunities it provides for professional advancement. Small companies tend to offer fewer chances to advance to a position with more responsibility. Often, the highest paid, most desirable jobs are held by just a few.

That doesn’t mean a small company can’t provide good opportunities. If you’re just starting out in your career and you need relevant experience, a position with a small or large company can be equally rewarding.

Career Management Tip #2: Negotiate Financial Compensation

This is an area that people rarely overlook, yet many don’t do as much as they could to ensure they’re getting a fair salary. Before accepting an offer, make sure you research what others with similar levels of education and experience are receiving. If the offer seems low and you are in the position to negotiate (that is, you aren’t desperate for the job), then make a counteroffer that is reasonable. Take care not to come across as greedy or aggressive; with a tone that’s professional and respectful, you might just come away with a better deal.

Career Management Tip #3: Develop New Skills

If you’re feeling bored, unmotivated, or uninspired in your current job, it could be that you aren’t sufficiently challenged. Are you still developing new skills? If not, it might be time to rethink your current position. Figure out what skills or talents you’d like to be using and what positions—within the business you currently work for or an external organization—will engage them.

Career Management Tip #4: Find a Work/Life Balance

Eventually, work/life balance becomes a concern even for the most dedicated business people. Does the business you work for respect their workers’ rights to pursue a life that is separate from their work? Are you required to respond to e-mail 18 hours a day? Do you have some control over your travel schedule? Each organization has different policies, some more liberal than others. Find a company that supports your lifestyle.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in career development.