Can you believe it’s already January 2023?!
I feel like every year, I’m in disbelief that another year has come and gone. I generally like to spend December and part of January taking a step back and reflecting on the past year, and looking ahead to the next one.
I’ve also found that it can be so easy to get caught up in life and not take the time to do this. And, if you’re like me and sometimes need a little encouragement, consider this your nudge from the universe to grab that glass of tea (or wine) and take a couple of hours and get intentional about where you want to take this next year (both in your career and life).
Speaking of career goals, if you’re a woman in tech, you’re already ahead of the game.
But what if you want to take your career to the next level? I know it can be daunting to think about where to start or how to approach this, so here are four ways to set yourself up in 2023.
Get clear on what success looks like for you
How often do you take a step back and really reflect on what you want out of your career and what direction to take it? I often ask my clients, “what would make you love your career?” That can be such an intimidating question, right? (but how amazing would that feel to actually love your career?!)
If you’re unclear on what you want, it’s harder to advocate for yourself and to ask others to speak up for you.
Not sure where to start? Start by digging deep and asking yourself these questions:
- What am I doing when I feel like I’m “in the zone”?
- What part of my job gives me energy, and what part drains me?
- What are my strengths?
- What’s an area that I’d like to develop further?
- What else can I see myself doing? (not sure? You can start by doing some informational interviews and talking to people in roles that pique your interest).
Once you gain clarity, you can create your career action plan and map out the steps you need to take to get where you want to go.
It’s like they always say, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Yogi Berra
Assemble your allies
Have you ever heard the saying “people promote people”? Allies are the heart and soul of a successful career. Period.
What do I mean by career allies?
Allies generally consist of mentors, sponsors, coaches, peers, your manager, and internal and external fans who support you and can advocate for you. They know your career goals and can help grow your brand & organizational awareness of you. In addition, they can give you feedback and help you find the resources you need to reach your goals.
Start by asking yourself:
- Who do I need to connect with that is key to my current and future success?
- Who is a leader I admire?
Start fostering those relationships. Remember, you are known by the company you keep.
Own your worth
Raise your hand if you have a hard time drawing attention to your work and what you’ve achieved. (:raised hand)
If you struggle to claim credit for your achievements, you’re not alone – but it may cost you throughout your career, especially if you’re trying to move to the next level.
Making your achievements visible, especially to those more senior to you, is equally as important as your actual work.
If you’re feeling unsure about your impact or where to start, try making a list of your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. You can also talk to a mentor or coach or even a friend who can offer valuable perspectives and help you see your own value more clearly.
Also, I always recommend that my clients have an “elevator pitch” ready. One where you can quickly and effectively speak to what you do now while emphasizing what you want to do in the future and why you’re qualified to do it.
Remember, you deserve to be noticed for your impact and hard work. So don’t sell yourself short – own your worth and watch your career soar.
Stay focused
No matter your goals, it’s essential to have a plan and work toward them.
Whether you want to be promoted to a management position or switch careers entirely, getting clear on your next steps, enlisting your allies, and owning your worth are key to your success.
And remember to stay focused, review your progress and adjust your plan as needed – I’ve found this happens so much with my clients.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, so enjoy the journey.
Did you find value in this post? Know someone who could benefit from this? Please “share” it. It might be exactly what they need right now.