Table of Contents

1. Develop a Career Plan
2. Find a Mentor
3. Continue Developing Your Skills
4. Ask for More Responsibility
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Out New Opportunities

Building a successful career isn’t something that happens by accident. It comes from a deliberate plan that includes goal setting, expert guidance, and continuing to improve your skills. Follow these five steps for effective career development and a more fulfilling work life.

1. Develop a Career Plan

You wouldn’t get in the car without a destination in mind. So why would you expect to find career success without a clear plan?

Some people are afraid to set career goals. They’re concerned that they’ll choose “wrong” or find that they set their sights too high (or not high enough.) But the wonderful thing about careers is that you’re never locked into one. Career skills are often transferrable between positions, companies, and even industries. So while a plan is an important part of your path, it’s written in pencil rather than a pen. 

Don’t be afraid to plan big! If your goal is to own your own boutique hotel or be the regional manager of a major restaurant chain, write it down. There will be many stops along the way, but knowing where you want to end up can be a guidepost as you assess new roles and opportunities.

2. Find a Mentor

Once you’ve identified your goal job or career, how can you get there? A mentor can be invaluable in helping you chart your path. How better to figure out the best steps than asking someone living the life you want? Mentors can share the lessons they learned along the way, and provide honest advice about navigating a tricky situation. 

Finding a mentor may sound daunting, but it can be as easy as asking! Experienced professionals are often honored to share what they know. And if your desired mentor is unavailable, they may be able to recommend someone else in the field.

3. Continue Developing Your Skills

You know where you want to go, and you have an experienced mentor in your corner. Now how do you start making progress?

Performing to the best of your ability is clearly important. But raising the ceiling of “your best” is also essential. Continuing to improve your skills through education and training is how you get better at your work and prove to your supervisors that you’re serious about your career. 

This training could take the form of a degree or certification. Maybe you choose to go to school for a hospitality management degree. Or perhaps you take a leadership course to become a more effective manager. Skill development can also come from self-led activities, like reading books on business or leadership, keeping up with industry news, and watching educational videos online. 

4. Ask for More Responsibility

The best way to prove that you’re ready for the next step in your career is to stretch yourself. This means stepping outside of your comfort zone and looking for more responsibility. 

This can be a daunting move. When you get comfortable with your role, it’s natural to feel some hesitation about deliberately rocking that boat. But when you take on more responsibility, you show that you’re ready for more responsibility. It’s a cycle that can propel you to an entirely new role. 

If you’re not sure what specific tasks you can take on, ask your supervisor for a suggestion. Perhaps you can spearhead an upcoming project or take over one of their managerial responsibilities. When it comes time to pick a new manager, you’ll be top of mind!

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Out New Opportunities

All too often, employees are afraid to be their own advocates. They wait passively, expecting the raise or promotion to just fall into their laps. But employees should be clear with their supervisors about their career goals. If a position opens up, nominate yourself! 

And if you see that your growth has stagnated at your current company, perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere. Some employees find it easier to jump into a new title or promotion by changing organizations.

No one is more interested in the advancement of your career than you. So keep your eye on the goal and take pride in your own growth!