Finding a new career can seem intimidating, especially if it requires you leaving your comfort zone. Shifting to a different environment and doing the things you aren’t used to never gets easier, and it’s something we all go through.
However, this set of tools I’ve sharpened over the years of working at several different financial firms in the past can certainly help ease your challenges.
To start off, we must first start from the end. But what does starting from the end mean? This means having a clear understanding of where you want to get to in the end. This is your ambition, your aspirations, and your vision.
Don’t try to have it all with the goals. Try to pick a few things that matter the most to you. And the best way to do this is by writing it down.
Once you have a clearly defined goal, start thinking about your assets — the resources that will help you reach your goals. These include strengths, skills and networks that are part of who you are. Use them to your advantage!
While using those assets, it’s also vital to keep your distractions in mind. Are you having any negative self-talk? Are you suffering from Imposter Syndrome? Be honest with yourself, and push away anything that limits your mind, even if that may be someone close to you.
Now that you have your goals, assets, and distractions written down, the next step is to put them all together. Start by matching your goals with the specific strengths, skills, and network you have that will help you achieve those goals. Reduce the distractions by writing them down — you’ll be surprised how much this little trick can do for your mind.
Another vital part of my formula for success is my networking model. Start by offering more effort/performance in whatever you do, and don’t ask for compensation or recognition. Soon, you’ll build a reputable network that recognizes your value and keeps you relevant and connected to other parts of the organization. This may one day become the asset that takes you one step closer to your goals. For more tips and tricks on networking, check this post out.
If there is one thing I saw happen over and over throughout my career, it is that career paths are non-linear. This means that no two people share idental paths that took them to their respective place. Just because you do what I did, does not mean that you will be where I am. Always keep an open mind for the different paths that may lead to your outcome. Never stop asking yourself the question, “no, really why”.
Lateral and upward career shifts benefit from career capital.
Career capital is anything that puts you in a better position to make a difference in the future, including skills, achievement, connections, and reputation.
Credentials and degrees become less important over time.
Building career capital early in your career should be your highest priority.
The earlier you are in your career, the more room to take risks, and embrace failures that you can learn from.
“The road to senior leadership is paved with career capital” – Elizabeth Sandler, Juliette Works