Sometimes, one has to do a reality check to realize their career goals. Knowing what your weaknesses are and what you can do about them can be the answer to your dilemma. Let’s take a closer look at what most millennials like you can do so you can start achieving your career objectives.
Be Realistic When It Comes to Your Expectations
According to a study, millennials have unrealistic expectations. This is not to say that all millennials are not willing to work hard to get what they want. It is the fact that having unrealistic expectations can ruin one’s life.
For instance, one can’t simply arrive late for work, expecting there will be no consequences. Not all companies will change their policies just to accommodate young workers. If you know that your company is strict when it comes to time, do your part and come to work early.
Sometimes, one needs to make sacrifices or even make investments. This can mean waking up earlier in the morning or finding a local car dealership to buy a car you can afford so you can make it to work on time. Your boss will acknowledge your hard work and take your initiative as a sign of your responsibility and dedication.
If you want a promotion, don’t simply assume you deserve the position. Great credentials and proven track record is often not enough. Learn more skills, show your willingness to take on bigger challenges, and have the right connections to get ahead of your competitors. It won’t hurt to ask for feedback on the things you need to improve.
Work on Your Soft Skills
It is important to note that millennials are tech-dependent. They rely on technology to accomplish many tasks. Many of them spend more hours on their phone than create personal connections with others in real life.
According to a study, smartphones decrease intimacy and communication. Millennials prefer chats, texts, and emails over real-life conversations. This is why they fail to develop the necessary skills to be emphatic communicators.
It is never too late to start improving your soft skills. Practice communicating with people on a more personal level and not just on the internet. Learn how to read body language. Practice public speaking and find ways to improve your writing skills.
Be friendly but avoid gossip. When handling conflict, keep your ears and mind open. Keep a calm voice when explaining your side. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and avoid being judgmental. If possible, enroll in a leadership training course or find yourself a mentor.
Be proactive and take initiative. Ask permission first when offering your help. Pay attention to the people around you.
Engage in things that can challenge your problem-solving skills. Work with colleagues, learn from them, and collaborate to form creative ideas. It will take a bit of hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone to improve your soft skills. But you will soon learn that all these can help you get an edge over your competitors.
Grow Your Network
Sometimes, it is who you know that matters. The same goes for business and when trying to improve your career. No matter how hardworking, smart, and capable you are, success can be hard to reach if you don’t have the right connections.
Networking is important as it helps you get to know more people inside and outside of your industry. You can learn many things from others who have fresh perspectives. You can share your ideas and offer solutions to others. This helps build your reputation. Networking also helps you get noticed and access opportunities in the process.
Having a strong network can help you find the best jobs that suit your skills. It can help you learn more about your potential client, address their pain points, and gain their trust. Think of networking as an investment. What you reap today can have great returns in the future.
There is not one networking style that will work for all kinds of people. This is why you need to find and try some tactics to know which one can yield the best results for you. There are also four behavioral styles you need to know about. Do a little digging about the people you wish to make connections with. Know what their behavioral style is and use this to your advantage.
It is not enough that you have the credentials and qualities to succeed in your career. If you are a millennial struggling with your career, know that you are not alone. You still have a chance to boost your career. Work hard to extend your network, learn the right skills, and have the right expectations to stay ahead of the competition.
