At the start of every year, we all naturally think towards the key habits and New Year resolutions we want to build, and this is no different when it comes to your career. We will start the year with optimism with specific goals relating to our career, whether that is getting a new job, securing a promotion or getting a pay rise.
Now the key thing here is that we make these goals but don’t break them down into intentional actions we need to take in order to hit them. But this year we are going to break that! Here are 5 potential career actions you can take in 2025 to help you reach your career goals.
Now, not all of these actions may be relevant to everyone reading this, but at least one should be and endeavour to be intentional in seeing it through!
Pick up a job responsibility of the level above you
Now this is for those who are looking to get that promotion this year. A crucial element of securing a promotion is demonstrating competency in doing the tasks of the level above. This year, stretch yourself to pick up a new and more senior job responsibility such as managing a process independently. This will help you not only grow skills-wise but also boost your case for promotion!
Identify and learn a new hard skill relevant to your field
For those looking for a new job, pay rise or promotion. Having competency with the key hard skills for your industry will set you apart from your colleagues and competitors. Take a look at the hard skills needed for your desired role and aim to pick up at least one of those skills this year. This will help you become a more attractive candidate or demonstrate the necessary expertise needed to secure a pay rise or promotion.
Set monthly 1-1s with your Manager/ Mentor
Focus on having regular contact with your manager or direct senior to keep them in the loop of your work and get regular feedback on progress. This will help you keep track of where you are in regards to meeting targets for a promotion as well as keep your manager in the loop - an individual who will have a big say on your promotions and career progress.
A key tip - Set the agendas and lead the meetings with your manager so you get the most out of them.
Start a ‘Brag Folder’
Again this is critical for those looking for a pay rise or promotion. When making your case you are going to need evidence to validate the pay rise or promotion. So make sure you document all your achievements, successes and positive feedback throughout the year. Push to get your feedback given in written format in order for you to file it and easily get access to it. This brag folder is your chest of evidence when it comes to promotion!
Our memories aren’t as good as we think so document everything!
Be intentional with your networking
The saying is your network is your net worth. This is increasingly important when it comes to the trajectory of your career.
Set yourself monthly targets to attend career networking events and proactively network with people inside and outside of your company within your industry. Aim to put in 2-3 catch-ups throughout the year with new contacts to maintain those relationships.
The key here is to be authentic and intentional, aim to be a value-add to your new connections and don’t focus on making it transactional. The best networks are those which you invest over time naturally in building relations with through adding value.
Fill in the poll below to let me know which action(s) you are going to follow and let me know in the comments any other career actions you plan to take this year!
