5 Tips to Fast Track Your Career in 2018 - CareerMetis.com

5 Tips to Fast Track Your Career in 2018 Getting a promotion or advancing in their career is in a lot of people’s New Year’s resolution. 2018 is a great year to focus on your career, especially with corporations expanding their operations and plenty of opportunities being made available.If getting a career boost is your New Year’s resolution too, then this post is for you. In this article, we are going to discuss several quick ways to fast track your career in 2018. Let’s get started, shall we?1. Start Participating in ConferencesevalThere are a lot of industry-related conferences held every year; 2018 is no different. Attending these industry-related conferences is one of the best ways to give your career the push it needs.For starters, conferences present a lot of opportunities to meet other people in your industry, including experts in specific fields and key executives in top companies.Aside from networking, participating in relevant conferences also allows you to pick up new skills and industry insights. These are resources that will help you perform better at work. Better performance means you are that much closer to that promotion you’ve been wanting to get.There is another reason why attending conferences is a great thing to do, and that is the fact that your employer may also support your attendance.Improving employees as assets is the strategy that many companies now use to stay ahead of the market, so you could be looking at an all-expense-paid trip to the next big conference.2. Get InvolvedThere is no more time to sit at the back of the room; this year should be about getting more involved in projects and work-related activities. Companies appreciate employees who contribute more, which is why you need to start getting more involved and bringing your A game to the table.The next time a superior is looking for someone to lead a project, volunteer. If you see an opportunity to improve certain things in a project â€" or make internal workflows better â€" take that opportunity and pr esent a solution. The more you are involved, the more the company will notice what you can do.evalIt is also a good idea to be more involved in improving yourself.Don’t hesitate to speak to your superior about ways you can improve and how you can be a bigger asset for the team. Speaking of improving yourself….3. Pursue a Higher Degree2018 is also a great year to go back to school and pursue a degree. Top universities such as Kaplan University are making their online courses available to more students.You can choose to enroll in one of the best accelerated degree programsand earn a master’s degree in as little as 16 months.evalThe act of going back to school is often enough to get you considered for a promotion. Make sure you speak to HR about your plan to pursue a master’s degree; you can update your CV and LinkedIn profile too.Companies also have programs â€" including financial aid â€" to encourage their employees to return to school, so don’t forget to ask HR about such programs too.Don’t stop at a master’s degree either. Through sites such as Coursera, you can now master specific skills in your spare time. Online short courses are very effective for acquiring new skills and sharpening existing ones.Some of them also come with certifications, making them more valuable than ever.4. Dress for the RoleThe first impression you make and the way you present yourself in a professional environment matters. If you’ve been rocking the same look for several years, now is the time to consider a makeover.Simple changes like choosing shirts that fit you perfectly, altering your hairstyle to better suit the image you want to convey, and keeping yourself tidy throughout the day can really help your career.While you’re at it, upgrade your online presencetoo. The way you present yourself online matters more than ever these days. Recruitment managers and fellow professionals rely on social media and your online presence to get to know you.You need to share p ersonal stuff less and professional things more. Take the time to write articles, talk about certain topics on social media, and connect with other professionals through discussions.5. Work on Your RelationshipsLastly, invest time in connecting better with others. Make sure you maintain good relationships with coworkers and superiors. Expand your network to other professionals in your field and try to connect with industry experts through social media.evalSettle problems quickly and effectively. The way you handle issues you have with coworkers is a reflection of your leadership skills. You’ll be surprised to know that the company actually pays attention to these matters.Use these tips to help give your career the boost it needs. It won’t be long before you become the prime candidate for a management position and reach the next level in your career.