How to consciously build your career – 7 things you should know

Networking, or the art of building and maintaining professional relationships, is an extremely valuable skill in today’s world of work. According to research, as many as 85% of all job offers circulate within closed networks of contacts before being announced publicly. That is why it is so important to actively build a network of professional contacts that can open up new opportunities for development or interesting job offers.

Here are some practical tips on how to build your network effectively:

• Be active in your industry – participate in conferences, events and networking meetings.
• Share your knowledge and experience, and make new contacts.
• Take advantage of social media, which is an important platform for professional contacts today.
• Maintain regular contact with people in your network by offering them valuable help or information.
• Be authentic and build relationships based on mutual trust and respect.

A perfect example of successful networking is the story of Ania, who, thanks to a recommendation from a friend from university, got a job at a prestigious corporation. This allowed her to develop her skills and gain valuable experience, opening doors to further career opportunities.

Remember that networking is a long-term investment in your professional future. The more effort you put into building your network, the greater your career opportunities will be.

3. How to use social media for professional development?

Nowadays, social media is a key tool for building your personal brand and business contacts. That is why it is so important to take care of your professional image online. The basis is to fill in all the relevant information in your LinkedIn profile and regularly update it with the skills, certificates and recommendations you have acquired.

Here are a few social media platforms that are worth using for professional development:

• LinkedIn – a business networking site, perfect for establishing relationships with professionals in your industry
• Twitter – allows you to follow industry trends and discussions and share your own expertise
• Instagram – a great tool for building your personal brand and showcasing your work
• YouTube – the perfect place to publish video content, such as expert advice or event coverage

A good example of the use of social media is the profile of Marta, an internet marketing specialist. By blogging about trends in e-commerce and participating in industry discussion groups, she has gained recognition as an expert. This, in turn, has translated into new and interesting job offers and career opportunities.

Remember that a professional presence on social media is not only a way to build your personal brand, but also an excellent opportunity to make valuable contacts and gain new knowledge. Use this potential to consciously build your career.

4. Soft skills that help your career

In today’s rapidly changing world of work, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. To be successful in any industry, you also need what are known as future skills, or soft skills. Here are some of them that will certainly help you build your career:

• problem-solving skills
• creativity and innovative thinking
• effective communication
• time management and work organisation
• teamwork and leadership skills
• flexibility and openness to change

How can you develop them effectively? One way is to sign up for special workshops and training courses. However, you can also learn a lot through practice. If you want to develop your communication skills, you can, for example, volunteer to give a presentation at the next project meeting. In turn, by getting involved in social activities or volunteering, you will acquire qualities such as empathy and openness to others.

Remember that soft skills are not only desirable to employers, but also help you build your career and achieve professional success. It is therefore worth consciously developing them and presenting them during recruitment processes.

5. Online training and courses – an investment in your future

In today’s world of continuous learning and acquiring new skills, it is worth considering investing in online courses and training. They will allow you to expand the knowledge and skills necessary for professional development on your own terms – anytime, anywhere.

Here are some reputable educational platforms that offer thousands of courses in various fields:

• Coursera – in collaboration with leading universities, courses in data analytics, programming, digital marketing, and more
• edX – online courses taught by renowned universities, including Harvard and MIT
• Udemy – a wide range of courses created by industry experts, from soft skills to advanced IT tools

When choosing online courses, pay attention to their programmes, reviews from other participants, and certificates upon completion. It is worth investing in training that will have a real impact on your professional development and help you acquire skills that are in demand on the job market.

Remember that continuous learning and improving your skills are an essential part of consciously building your career path. Thanks to online courses, you can remain competitive in the job market and develop in line with your own goals and aspirations.

6. How to manage your time effectively?

Skillful time management is the basis for effective career building. It not only facilitates the performance of current duties, but also provides space for personal development and acquiring new skills. Here are some proven techniques that are worth implementing:

• The ‘Gain an hour’ method – devote the first 60 minutes of your day to completing the most important tasks before you start responding to emails and other distractions.
• The ‘2-minute’ rule – do all small tasks immediately if they take less than 2 minutes.
• Use tools such as Google Calendar or distraction-blocking apps, such as Forest.
• Plan your day in advance, setting priorities and realistic deadlines.
• Delegate tasks that you don’t have to do yourself.

Effective time management is the key to achieving your professional goals and maintaining a work-life balance. Develop habits that will allow you to make the most of every day and consciously build your career.

7. Mentoring – how to find a mentor and why is it worth it?

Having a mentor, an experienced guide in the world of careers, can prove to be invaluable support on the path to professional development. Mentors share their knowledge, experience and insights, helping you develop your skills, plan your career path and build your confidence.

Here are a few steps to help you find the right mentor:

• Define your goals and areas where you need support.
• Look for someone who has been successful in your area of interest.
• Ask for recommendations in your professional environment or industry organisations.
• Contact a potential mentor, presenting your expectations and motivation.
• Build a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

A good example is the relationship between Paulina, a young PR specialist, and Ania, the director of communications at a large corporation. Thanks to her guidance and support, Paulina gained key leadership skills and was promoted to a managerial position.

Mentoring is an investment that can bring enormous benefits in building your career. With an experienced guide, you will gain valuable advice, motivation and support in achieving your professional goals.

In summary, conscious career building requires regular work on developing your skills, nurturing professional contacts and acquiring new knowledge. I hope that the strategies presented here will inspire you to take action and result in the flourishing of your career path! Good luck on this exciting journey!