Created: 31 October 2022

The Ultimate Guide to Career Advancement in 2022

Are you in a career rut? Check out this ultimate guide to career advancement in 2022 that will help you figure out your next move.

While you hear a lot about the "Great Resignation," you hear less about the great discontent fueling it. Currently, a whopping 60% of workers feel emotionally detached from their jobs.

This is entirely unsustainable for a lifelong career. For this reason, it's important to start thinking about career development and where you want to be in 5, 10, or 20 years. Regardless of your circumstances, here are some helpful career advancement tips to get you started!

Assess Your Goals

First, it's important to understand what you want out of your career. Do you want to move up in your current company, pursue another role entirely, or make a lateral career shift to another field? No matter what, it's important to understand your goals before developing a plan.

There are plenty of strategies for advancing your career, which we will discuss. However, if you don't have an eye on the prize, then there are simply too many options to choose from.

For example, some positions may only require specific certification. Conversely, some may require an advanced degree or 5 to 10 years of experience in the field.

In any case, assess what you want out of your career and draft a plan on how to pursue it. Here are some helpful options.

Talk to Your Supervisor About More Responsibilities

In many cases, advancing your career is only one question away. If you want to prepare yourself for the next step in your career, try asking to take on more responsibilities at work. It's a rare manager who would say no to such a request.

This can help demonstrate that you're a career-oriented team player and put you in the best possible position for future promotions. Alternatively, it can help boost your references and job descriptions on your resume if you apply elsewhere. Either way, this will help give you the skills and hands-on (paid) training for your future career advancement.

Try to ask for administrative or managerial tasks that could prepare you. Don't be afraid to be honest about your goals, as it never hurts to tell your manager that you're interested in moving up!

Pursue Continuing Education

Continuing your education is essential for career advancement. It will prepare you for future work and help your resume stand out from the competition when applying for a new position.

Fortunately, we live in a world where online courses are as accessible and comprehensive as ever. You can pursue career certifications and training courses on your own schedule and from anywhere. You just have to take the initiative!

Get Licensed

In many fields, a certification or license can help you move up in your field or stand out from your competitors. For example, project managers typically need specialized licenses in almost every trade.

By taking the initiative and pursuing these certifications yourself, you demonstrate to your organization that you care about career advancement. Consider asking them to enrol you in these programs first, as this can save you money.

Look For Volunteer Opportunities

Did you know that volunteer experience makes you 27% more likely to get a job? How about 20% of hiring managers have hired someone specifically for their volunteer experience?

In every field, there is volunteer work that can be done. Organizations are always looking for helping hands, and you can pursue whatever you are passionate about.

For example, if you want to advance your construction career, apply to Habitat For Humanity or a similar volunteer-led organization. Of course, this isn't the only example. All organizations need cybersecurity, marketing, and plenty of other assistance, and you can gear it toward your passions.

You may not have the experience for a paid project management position now, but nonprofits like these take all the help they can get. Assuming you already have construction experience, they'll likely put you in a leadership role early on. This could give you some hands-on experience in taking the lead.

Also, if you have the career experience and the licensing or continuing education to back it up, then you'll almost certainly earn some leadership experience. Volunteer work is also incredibly fulfilling, which is a benefit in itself!

Consider Looking Elsewhere

Sometimes, workers have to make the tough decision to look elsewhere. If you don't see a path for career development in your current position, then it may be time to polish your resume and start looking for other positions. This is especially true once you've followed some of the steps mentioned above.

After a certain number of years, there comes a point where you will have to make this decision. If you pursue continuing education or training, or if you earn some extra experience on or off the job, and you remain in good standing with your current job, then you need to do what's best for you!

Add your experience and education to your resume, list all of your new job responsibilities, and start submitting applications. It could lead to the most rewarding career move of your lifetime!

Follow These Career Advancement Tips Today

Now that you know some helpful career advancement tips to follow, use them to your advantage as soon as possible. We spend 40 years or more in our careers, so always think about what's best for your future. The sooner you start setting yourself up for success, the sooner it will come.

Stay up to date with our latest career tips, and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help finding the right courses for your needs!