Here at Bright HQ, we speak to hundreds of talented Bright Network members like yourself every week. It’s a competitive world out there – and we’re always looking for new ways to help you get ahead. Here are our six top tips to help you develop career skills that will get you on your way to standing out from the crowd.
1. Take advantage of every opportunity to develop career skills
Fortune favours the brave - if you are presented with an opportunity, whether it's an opportunity to volunteer, work on a project or maintain a part-time job, take it. Even if the opportunity may not seem immediately linked to the future career you want to build, you can pick up vital skills.
2. Explore, explore, explore
Unless you have always known what you want to do, it’s likely that you're weighing up a few career options. Nothing will help you firm up your future career path than personal experience - even if you complete an internship in an industry that you later realise isn’t for you, you’ve still learnt something very valuable. Knowing what you don’t like is just as important as knowing what you do like.
Discover what you're really good at and how to develop your skills.
3. There is no substitute for hard work
It's been said that ‘an overnight success is ten years in the making’. No one ever got by on their smarts alone – you need to be dedicated, business-ready and willing to put in the hours. Like everything else in life, the more time you put into your career, the more you will get out of it.
4. A little friendliness goes a long way
Throughout your career, you will work alongside various types of people, and friendliness goes a long way towards fostering good rapport and getting the best out of others. Whether learning from your manager, through taking feedback well, networking with senior staff or helping out a new member of staff on their first day, being personable is a vital career skill that will put you ahead of the game.
5. Learn from every experience
Above all, no matter what stage of education you're in or what age you are, those who are keen to learn are leagues above those who are just going through the motions. Keep a notepad on you at all times to note down any interesting bits of information or key learnings you come across along the way.
There are many skills you can be working on during the application process and throughout your career. Develop your core career skills with Bright Network Academy and stay ahead when applying for jobs and navigating the world of work.