Career development beyond office walls

One could argue that when it comes to advancing your career, it’s not only what you know, but who you know. While networking is very beneficial, there are other ways to develop professionally and help take your career to the next level:

Take a class:

Whether you sign up for an online course or decide to enroll in a certification program, you can never go wrong with continuing your education. Educational development shows a desire to continuously better yourself and illustrates that you are taking steps towards your future career. By expanding your knowledge base, you enhance your skills and give your resume a boost.

If you feel that you don’t have the time or the extra cash to enroll in a course for credit, there are many websites that offer free classes specializing in a variety of topics. The length of each program varies- some programs only require one class a week! Committing 1-2 hours a week towards something you are genuinely interested in is not a bad deal.

Volunteer:

Dedicating yourself to a cause you are passionate about not only feels great, but it also makes a difference. Whether you have time to volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a year, you can always have an impact. You will meet other people who share the same beliefs as you, which is a great way to add to your network as well. In addition, hiring managers agree that volunteer work makes a candidate stand out. It illustrates dedication, philanthropic goals, and passion.

Join a Club:

As life gets chaotic, it can be difficult to do the things we love. Once you carve out the time to join a club though, you become more committed to it since other people are involved- they can hold you accountable. Don’t misinterpret because this commitment should not be seen as a chore. Rather, it’s a chance to escape your hectic life for a little bit and do something you truly enjoy. Employers will see this as you being a well-rounded person with impeccable time management skills. They will even applaud you further if you take on leadership roles within the club. Everything is an opportunity to hone your skill set, whether you are in the office or spending a day on the tennis courts.

Exercise:

As many of us already know, it’s recommended to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. What does this have to do with your work life? When you maintain a healthy mind/body, the benefits include lower stress levels, deeper focus, higher energy levels, etc. As you begin to feel these effects, your work will reap the rewards as well. As you become less stressed and more focused on the job, you will get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time, something that managers and colleagues will notice.

What else do you do to develop your career? We want to hear it so please comment below!

Are you on the job hunt for a new career? Our recruiters are here to help! Check out our latest job postings here, or find a CFS office located closest to you here.