We are Millennials and we are ambitious professionals.

Despite all the negative press, we are dedicated to getting the job done, even if it’s a little different than our older counterparts. With such a competitive job market, we all need to know ways that Millennials can advance their careers.

One thing that is unique about us is that complacency is not one of our strong suits. To be fulfilled in our careers and our lives we have to constantly move forward.

However, constantly moving forward can get pretty exhausting and sometimes you just run out of steam! When that happens you might need to reassess the best way to get to the next level in your career.

If you are constantly networking to get to the next level, but you aren’t making any progress, then it might be time to switch it up! I suggest you consider these 10 ways every Millennial can advance their careers to change the game!

10 ways Every Millennial can Advance their Careers

1. Continuing Education: If your credentials are keeping you back it might be time to reconsider that certification. When you have to compete with tons of other qualified candidates, you might need something to help you stand out. In that case, a certification, new degree or training sessions might give you the upper hand!
2. Expand your Job: It’s not always the right time to make a huge move. Sometimes you have to grow in your current position and gain new skills, experience, and knowledge. Once you get those under your belt, you can move on to the next best thing! Advancement doesn’t always mean moving on, but growing where you are!
3. Make a Lateral Move: If you’ve found yourself in a position where there is little room for advancement, another way Millennials can advance their career is by making lateral but complementary career moves.
4. Ask for More: Communication is key when looking to do more, make more or be more! Make sure you are communicating within your organization that you are looking to grow. When the right position opens up, the relevant parties will already know who to look for.
5. Get a Mentor: A good mentor has already done what you want to do. When you pick a good mentor, you can learn from the mistakes they’ve made and benefit from their best career advice. Make sure you use that to your advantage.
6. Build your Network: A strong and nurtured network can accelerate any Millennial’s careers. Employer’s leverage their network to find candidates who are connected with their best employees. When you have a network which supports you, making a move will be easy. Click here to prepare for your next networking event.
7. Choose a new Career: There are times when you have hit the top of your natural career progression and need a change. If that’s the case it might be worthwhile to pursue a new career adventure.
8. Move into Management: Supporting, managing and leading others is one of the most rewarding aspects of work. The next obvious step for you might be moving into management.
9. Acquire a New Skill: What is that one skill you keep hearing the interviewer ask you? Is it public speaking or excel? If you feel like during every interview you are missing a critical skill, then it might be time to figure out how to acquire it!
10. Take Informational Interviews: This one of my favorite ways that Millennials can advance their career because it’s easy. When you’re building your network, you may find that the individual doesn’t have an open position right now, but you can get some inside information for the next time. Schedule an informational interview, aiming to learn more about the company and what they’re looking for. Later you can leverage that information to get a job.

Are you an Advancing Millennial Professional?

If you are looking to advance your career, and need help implementing these 10 things in your professional development action plan – let me know. I’d love to schedule a career coaching consultation with you!

Click here to Schedule your Consultation