Career-Building 'Next Steps' You Can Do Right Now | Jennifer F. Yee

I attended a Cocktails and Career Coaching event hosted by Burlington Young Professionals and took away some pivotal advice from speakers Lindsey Lathrop and Susan Walker. I was surrounded by people from all walks of their careers. Some planning on leaving their place of work, some stuck on where they are now and in need of a change, and some just not knowing what the next step should be. Here are some actionable things you can do right now I have gathered from Lathrop and Walker to get you moving towards your career goals.

Document your strengths and skills as they happen

You've come so far in your work to not celebrate your skills, why not write them down?

This place where your accomplishments can live, and become a place to reference ideas when stuck on a cover letter, resume, or LinkedIn update.

Turn a great experience into posts and relevant articles for other professionals to find you and consider you as a someone suited for their organization.

Become a networking pro

Opportunities are available in places you do not expect to look! Check out my five ways to network effectively article to get started on finding events in your area and fostering connections. Maybe a new job is just one conversation away. Access your college's alumni career database, where you can find others who graduated in the same major as you and where their path took them. Do not be afraid to reach out to them as well.

Set yourself up to leave with grace

For the ones who are trying to leave their current line of work to venture into fresh waters, make sure you set yourself up for success. It is difficult to leave your place of comfort at your current job. Frankly, there is never a "perfect" time to leave. Once you have a set date, maybe save up funds to give yourself something to fall back on as you enter into something new. Communicating your plans with your employer is also necessary for a graceful exit. The work and relationships you have made at your current job are worth carrying with you as references or connections to other jobs.

The next step can be intimidating so I hope these tips can help assess your current situation and figure out ways to tap into avenues that fit your skill set. "The new management is self-management" as Lindsey Lathrop and Susan Walker emphasized. You are in control of your career path!