How to Advance Your Career: An 8-Step Guide

Introduction

Moving up in your career can sometimes feel like a maze. But with the right plan and a positive attitude, you can climb the ladder of success. This guide gives you eight practical steps to help boost your career, especially in industries where hands-on skills and experience are valued.

1. Keep Learning and Developing Professionally (CPD)

In hands-on jobs, the tools and methods we use are always changing. To stay on top, it's important to keep learning. This could mean going to workshops, taking courses, or just staying up-to-date with the latest in your field. It also means learning from those who have more experience and skills than you.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a great way to keep learning and improving in your job. CPD helps you stay up-to-date with industry trends, new ways of doing things, and important issues in our fast-changing world.

CPD activities can be formal, like seminars and certification courses, or informal, like reading about your industry or learning a new task at work. The important thing is to choose activities that are relevant to your job.

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For more information on CPD and how to incorporate it into your career advancement strategy, visit the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) CPD page.

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2. Build Your Network

A strong professional network can open up new opportunities. Try to attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with colleagues and industry leaders. Platforms like LinkedIn can be a great place to start building your professional network.

3. Get a Range of Experience

In hands-on jobs, experience is the best teacher. The more varied your experience, the more attractive you are to potential employers. Try to work on different projects and in different roles to broaden your skills.

4. Showcase Leadership

Showing leadership skills can set you apart in any field. This could mean taking the lead on projects, mentoring less experienced colleagues, or volunteering for leadership roles in your professional community.

5. Stay Informed

Industries involving hands-on work often see changes in technology, regulations, and best practices. Staying informed about these changes not only makes you more knowledgeable but also shows your commitment to your profession.

6. Pursue Professional Certification

Getting a certificate or apprenticeship can boost your credibility and show your expertise in your field. Websites like Competenz offer professional certification programs across various trades.

7. Find Mentorship

A mentor can give you valuable advice and guidance as you move up in your career. It's a good idea to talk to your employer about mentorship opportunities. They might be able to connect you with experienced professionals in your field who can share their knowledge and experiences with you.

8. Set Clear Goals

Clear, achievable goals can give you direction and motivation as you move up in your career. Tools like Trello can help you keep track of your goals and progress.

Conclusion

Moving up in a hands-on profession means continuously learning, networking, getting a range of experience, showing leadership, staying informed about industry changes, getting certified, finding a mentor, and setting clear career goals. By following these steps, you can put yourself in a position to succeed and reach new heights in your career.

Remember, at Max People, we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, check out the opportunities available on our Job Board. We have a variety of roles across different industries, and we're committed to helping professionals like you find the right fit. Let's work together to move your career forward.

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