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Looking for a Career with Fast Progression? Ask Yourself These 5 Key Questions

The Betts Team
April 11, 2018

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve had years to perfect your craft, progressing in your career is probably one of your goals. But not everybody has the time (or patience) to wait five, ten or fifteen years for that big promotion. If you’re looking for a way to fast track your career, here are five key questions to ask that will help you get where you want to be sooner.

 

What is my passion?

 

This is a big one. Take a few moments to look back on the experience you’ve had so far. What parts of your career path did you love, and which ones were you glad to put behind you? What types of results bring you the most satisfaction? What skills come naturally and which ones seem more like a chore? Often times it’s the process of determining what you don’t want in your career that can help you figure out what direction you do want to go in.

What do I want long-term?

 

If you are looking for rapid career progression, you can’t be short-sighted. You need to focus on the long-term, end goal you’re after – even if you have to get there in increments. What do you want to be doing in the long run? What level are you setting your sights on? Do you want to make it to the C-Suite? Do you want to have your own business? Looking forward to what’s next will help you develop an action plan so you can work toward your ultimate goal.

 

What is the best way to get there?

 

Once you’ve identified your ideal career path and determined exactly where you’re headed, the next step is to figure out the smartest, most efficient way to get there. You can’t just jump from lower-level manager to CEO. You can, however, shorten the time and distance it will take to arrive at your end goal by plotting the most logical path to follow.

 

Who can help me?

 

Most successful people got where they are today because they had help along the way, whether it was from colleagues, sponsors, managers or mentors. As you look at the career path that’s now taking shape, figure out who in your network might be able to assist in you in reaching your goals. And don’t be afraid to go out there and make some new connections. The more influential players you have in your corner, the easier it will be to navigate your way.

 

What’s the first step?

 

Once you’ve mapped out where you’d like to be, how you plan to get there and who will help you along the way, the last question to ask yourself is when can you get started? Taking a leap of faith can be nerve-wracking, but if you want to advance in your career and get on the fast track to success, you have to be willing to take that first step, whatever it might be.

 

Need some guidance? We can help! Get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help get you on the path to the career of you’ve always wanted!