Take these 5 tiny actions today for big career gains tomorrow
Think you need to make bold, sweeping changes to experience a career leap? Think again.
It’s the clever mini-moves that can truly turbocharge your professional path. We’re talking smart, subtle tactics that create a solid platform for sustained success.
Ready to get started? Here are five savvy strategies you can implement today to dramatically shift your career prospects.
1. Complete a quick LinkedIn refresh
Does anyone actually enjoy updating their LinkedIn profile? We know it can feel like a chore, but it truly is a game-changer in attracting attention from future employers.
Fortunately, 15 minutes is all it takes to make you more attractive to the algorithm. With just a few strategic updates – like highlighting a recent standout project or a newly acquired skill – you can substantially uplift your online presence.
For easy-to-implement tips on effectively updating your LinkedIn profile, check out our free guide.
Want a bonus tip? Use LinkedIn to meet others in your industry who you’d like to network with or learn from. It’s easy to do: just send a connection request, follow them or say hi and introduce yourself in a message to their inbox.
2. Ask for feedback
The best employers build consistent feedback loops in their staff review programs. But even in 2024, it’s not uncommon to work in a place where feedback is as rare as a car-free morning on the Monash.
In such environments, it falls on you to be proactive. Start by arranging a casual coffee chat with your manager and ask, ‘What can I improve?’ (Hint: If your manager is the type of person who hates surprises, make sure you give them a heads up on the topic of conversation so they can prepare.)
Asking for feedback demonstrates your commitment to personal development. And opens doors to valuable ‘aha!’ moments that can help you identify the next steps for career growth.
3. Say yes to a new project
Put your hand up for a challenging or more complex project that will test your skill set. Yes, it’ll demonstrate you’re eager to learn and grow. But more importantly, it’ll stretch your talents, helping you move past that career plateau.
Remember, the project doesn’t have to be related to your core job. Connecting with community initiatives or starting a diversity, equity and inclusion program can demonstrate your leadership potential – and commitment to creating change.
If you’re not sure how to start, seek out a mentor who can help you identify a good opportunity, and who can connect you with the right people in your network.
4. Enrol in a microcredential
You don’t have to earn another degree to get ahead. Instead, opt for a micro-credential – a mini-qualification designed to quickly upskill you in a specific area.
There’s a micro-credential for almost any skill you can think of, whether you want to master sustainable design practices or sharpen your project management skills.
Delivered online, they’re affordable and accessible. And upon completion, you’ll get a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile.
Sound good? The Australian Government’s MicroCred Seeker will help you search and compare micro-credentials.
5. Join a professional association
We know you’ve already heard about the value of building industry connections. So we won’t lecture you about that. But we will point out that not all networking events are goldmines of opportunity. In fact, there are some plain dreadful ones that will drain your time and energy – with very little return.
Our advice? Join a professional association like the Australian Institute of Project Management, Engineers Australia, PrefabAUS, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, or Master Builders Australia. You’ll get new connections and practical learning that aligns with your interests in the built environments sector.