Now that we are one month into 2017, it is time to look back to those resolutions you may(or may not) have set one month ago. The brand new year is full of fresh starts, new beginnings, and original goals. Each time we find ourselves back in at the beginning of the year, it’s a good time to reassess the many important facets of our lives: health, relationships, education, career, finances, happiness, and the like. We don't want you to let the motivation you felt at the beginning of the new year wear off.
For us at The Niche Movement, career is a top priority. We are all about helping young professionals find their niches and for this reason we are celebrating the ten career tips every professional should practice in the remaining months of 2017.
1. Save more. This year, try to save more money than ever before. Whether it’s something small like $5 per day or a larger contribution such as 10-20% of your monthly paycheck, try to save money. The beginning of the year is the best time to start putting money back into your savings. Plus, a little cushion may help you later on in 2017. You never know!
2. Be aggressive. Is there a job you have your heart set on this year? Be more aggressive by applying to the job(s) you really want to thrive in. Reach out to potential employers and properly introduce yourself. Stopping by the company is a great way to make new connections and really highlight your interest in working for a particular niche.
3. Be practical. Even if your current job is merely another gig to pay the bills, this year remember to be practical. Don’t quit your current gig unless you have another job lined up. There’s no need to make hasty decisions. This year, be practical when it comes to career choices.
4. Network frequently. You never know who a new person is until you start chatting with them. Whether it’s a passenger on public transportation, someone on their laptop at a coffee shop, or even the person behind you in the checkout line at the grocery store, try to network. Always carry business cards on you at all times and remember to be friendly. Striking up conversations with random people could lead to a job. Try it.
5. Attend conferences. Conferences are great resources for professionals of all walks of life. There’s so much to learn from keynote speakers and the content you discover at conferences could very well put you in a more professional setting someday. Research affordable conferences in your area or ones within reasonable traveling distances. See if your current employer will cover the registration fees. Do what you can to make an appearance at one or two conferences per year. They’re fantastic networking opportunities, and great for your resume to make you a marketable candidate. In fact, TNM is launching the NicheCon Tour in March 2017. Learn more here!
6. Invest in yourself. This year, make a point to invest in the tools that will improve your career. Whether it’s a new laptop for better functionality, a course to brush up on your networking skills, or a website membership to start your own online presence, try to invest in yourself. Do what you can to improve your professional platform this year.
7. Ask for more. When you’re in the daily routine of your workday, try asking your supervisor for more. More projects, more opportunities to learn, and more growth could potentially lead you to a promotion or pay increase down the road. Managers take notice when employees ask for more work. Your efforts won’t be overlooked.
8. Be responsible. Even when you wake up on your laziest days and the urge to call in sick is all too great, resist. Try to be as responsible as possible this year. We all go through those phases of needing vacation time and wanting a break, but unless you really need it, try to refrain. Showing up to your job and being responsible are key factors in success.
9. Take care of your health. When you really are sick, overtired, or mentally drained, do take care of yourself. You can’t be successful if you are sleep deprived or generally run down. Take a mental or physical health day if you need one. That said, assess your routine to see if there are changes you can make to stay healthy. Are you eating a balanced diet? Do you exercise often? Are you sleeping long enough each night? Make sure you’re putting your mental and physical health first to be successful elsewhere.
10. Be kind. Much like in school, being kind is a necessary practice in the real world. Regardless of your career, this year be extra nice to your colleagues, supervisor(s), customers, and yourself. Never place blame, act passive aggressive, or be difficult to work with. Kindness goes a long way and it’s bound to make your workplace happier.
2017 is still full of promise and possibility. We have a completely blank slate to start fresh. For the remaining 11 months, do your best to be mindful of your life. Set goals, whether they’re related to health, relationships, career, and/or happiness. Remember that career is an extremely large part of your week, and it pays to make sure you do find employment happiness.
Make 2017 your year!