Professional growth can take many paths. Knowing your main interest helps you choose the right direction. There are four main options for specialists:
Career growth. This means moving up the usual career ladder or getting promoted in your field. For example, you are now an Internet marketer but want to be a marketing director.
Learning new skills. You can improve professionally and earn more without a promotion. To do this, you should regularly learn new things, practice them, and try different approaches.
For example, an IT worker can start learning new programming languages. A recruiter could work on developing a stronger company culture.
Broad skills development. Studying related areas allows you to take on multiple roles. For example, someone in marketing may handle ads, SEO, social media, and content all at once.
Becoming an expert. Mentors, internal trainers, and teachers at business schools are professionals who share their expertise. They help companies train employees and bring added value. Any professional—from accountants to managers—can develop as an expert.
Step 2: Set clear goals Avoid vague goals like “I want a higher salary” or “I want a good job.” Clear goals show exactly what you need to do to succeed. This helps you make a step-by-step plan that is easy to follow.
Step 3: Find ways to reach your goals Most goals in professional growth involve gaining new skills and knowledge. For example, if you want to earn 30% more in 2024, look at what skills you need to reach that level.
Monitor current job openings in your field. See what skills employees with higher salaries have. Make a list of these skills to focus on for the next year.
For example, if you’re an HR worker focused only on hiring, check what else top earners do. You might find they also handle onboarding, motivation, and employee evaluation.
Step 4: Find your weak spots Use a simple tool called the “Competency Wheel.” Write down eight key skills that help you reach your goals. Rate each skill from 1 to 10 based on how well you already know them. This shows you which areas need improvement first.