Tags: Job, Career, Career Growth, Job Tips

For those of you looking to advance your career, either as a fresher or as an experienced person aiming to grow laterally the familiar litany one hears is that of lack experience. So how does one go about getting this elusive thing called experience? How do you get the experience you need to move to that next step?

One way is to volunteer. A couple of years of volunteer work can provide experience which will sometimes be more than one gets if works for years in a company. Another thing in favour of volunteering is that when you volunteer organisations are happy to have you regardless of whether you are experienced or not. It also provides the necessary contacts in your field of interest which you can pursue diligently at a later stage.

Another way is to take up a temporary job. But ensure that the job you take will give you the sufficient exposure in your desired field. Working as a temp is a unique opportunity to gain the widest experience in the shortest possible time. By working in several different firms or businesses, you get to learn more skills and knowledge by moving from one temp job to another you would have by staying at the same job

Temping and volunteering is good for people without experience. But what about people who have experience in one field, but are now looking for advancing their career in a totally different field within the same organisation?

Prepare yourself very early in your career for this kind of eventuality by positioning yourself for long term employability, by keeping yourself and your skills relevant.

Identify the skills required for the position you are aiming and look for ways to develop those skills. Seek out new projects or take up assignments which will extend your expertise into new areas, particularly into areas which has the greatest impact on the future of your company.

Last but not the least; learn to actively promote yourself by crafting a well thought out resume. Follow it up with stellar performance during the interview, and just watch your grow.

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