Career development

Internships

Young workers are increasingly expected to work for nothing as interns in order to get a step onto their career ladder. Although official statistics are hard to find, one estimate put the number of unpaid internships in the UK at more than 100,000.

And while unpaid internships have long been a gateway to some of the more “glamorous” jobs, in TV or film for example, the practice has spread to other sectors.  The practice is a growing problem in areas as diverse as engineering, finance, graphic design, IT and law and unpaid internships have become almost universal in some sectors.

Improving communication skills

Workplace communication

As with all communication, context is key. Ensure that your message is appropriate to your audience. Both written and verbal communication can be misjudged - and misinterpreted. Interpersonal communication is most successful when both the giver and receiver of the information understand the intended message.

Training

Take advantage of training offered by your employer or your union. Many organisations provide training on improving communication skills, such as courses on effective presentation.

Importance of business networking

Job mobility

Older workers may still recall the job for life, when professional networking helped them rise up the corporate ladder. But today's job market is increasingly fluid. By 2001, half of all employees in the UK had been working for the same firm for only four years or less (Source: ONS). Building relationships is now an important way of creating opportunities in this flexible job market.

Getting that promotion

How to get promoted

Get yourself noticed

You may have impeccable time-keeping and always get your work done, but this doesn't help to raise your profile in the workplace. You need to display passion for the job and a strong work ethic, show that you have leadership qualities and be seen as a team player.

Getting noticed at work

Increasing your visibility

There are many ways you can increase your visibility at work and improve your career prospects.

Volunteer to help with events, join groups or take on extra responsibilities. Be eager to help out and gain experience - this can help you get noticed and expand your network. Take on work which is different or above your pay grade - and acquire skills which will stand you in good stead when you apply for promotion. Consider becoming a union representative - this can help to raise your profile and broaden your knowledge base.

Exploring your career options

The more you know about a particular option, the easier it is to evaluate its suitability, based on the information you have gathered about yourself and your requirements. Things to consider include:

The job – What does it involve? What skills are required? What are the typical working hours? What are the opportunities for progression? What might be the challenges/difficulties? To what extent will the role enable you to use and further develop the skills and strengths that you enjoy using? How well does the role align with your career values and priorities?

Chartership

Becoming a chartered professional usually depends on being able to present a portfolio of evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) collected over a specific period of time to the accrediting body. CPD involves planning, recording, reviewing and reflecting on your learning and development. Other chartership requirements will vary depending on the organisation, but may include:

Career change

A career change at any time of life takes courage and consideration. Here are some key questions to ask yourself before making any big decisions. 

What are your main skills, goals, interests and strengths?

Carefully consider what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Are you a natural leader or do you work better alone? Are you particularly good at event organisation, budgeting, sales, writing? Skills aside, ask your family and friends what they perceive to be your best qualities - they may have some great advice and ideas.