The Quest for Career Success in 2016!

It's that time of the year. "The Best of 2015” lists are everywhere! Now is a great time to make your own. Set yourself up for career success in the new year by highlighting goals and milestones you've achieved, special projects you've worked on, and other ways you've grown professionally. Whether you’re looking for career advancement, professional growth, or a new job, the start of a new year brings a fresh start and a renewed interest in enjoying what you do. Reevaluating your goals and accomplishments will help you in your quest for career success in 2016. Here's how to get started: 

Work Successes:
Think through and list your top projects and the outcomes. What were your top accomplishments? Look back through your calendar and add in specific numbers/percentages. List the peers, subordinates, and managers who have helped you be successful.

Next Actions:
Use this information to update your resume, LinkedIn, and professional information at work. Add insight to your performance review file with specifics. Call, write, or stop by to tell someone 'thank you' for their help this year on teams and projects. Reach out to others and ask how you can help them accomplish their goals in 2016.

Professional Development Successes:
How have you grown this year? Have you taken a class or earned certifications? Add your experience managing new projects and teams, and the experience/circumstances where you developed better negotiation, conflict resolution, or coaching skills.

Next Actions:
What professional development opportunities do you want/need for 2016? Talk to others to find interesting opportunities, classes, or certifications. Talk with your manager or human resources about how to best position yourself for the job you want in 6-12 months.

Community Involvement Successes:
List service opportunities and special projects where you have been involved. Have you been on committees, boards, or volunteer teams? List your work and school related service contributions and relationships.

Next Actions:
Get intentional. Are there areas where you would like to be more involved, either in what you do or the organizations you help? You can stretch yourself professionally or feed your soul through your community service. Reach out to organizations and your network to tell them of your interests in joining a committee, board, or project.

Take advantage of the end of the year to think through your successes for 2015. This article's focus is work-related, but this is also a good end-of-the-year step to review your Personal Successes in 2015. The benefits of developing your own “Best of 2015” are numerous, and once it's done, you can improve your networking abilities, update your resume and LinkedIn, focus on professional development, and be ready to explain why you’re ready for that next great opportunity in 2016!