Even in times of uncertainty, there are still ways you can improve
yourself and make great strides in your career. While under a community
quarantine, utilize the extra time to reevaluate your career trajectory
and seize opportunities to move it forward.
Much like an NBA All-Star, you need a concrete game plan to achieve
desirable outcomes in your career. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s
leading insurers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the
Philippines, is here to help with some job advice.
Improve personal branding. Your
branding is largely based on your online image -- it allows you to let
employers know your story, goals, skills, and expertise. It can make you
stand out and give your career a boost. To build your personal brand, make
sure to update and organize all your online profiles, especially on social
networking platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. On your profile, use a professional photo and quantify
your accomplishments. Try to avoid posting anything that isn’t appropriate
for work. You should also opt to follow leaders in your field and share
top industry stories. You can also create a personal website, portfolio,
or blog where you can showcase your professional journey, work, and
achievements.
Keep learning. If you want to be productive during
quarantine, why not take online classes? There are thousands of options
that can enhance your knowledge on business, communication, marketing,
financial literacy, and more. Many websites, experts and even Ivy League
schools in the U.S., are offering classes for free during the lockdown so
make the most of this opportunity. You can also read career advice books
that can help you be a more well-rounded person at work. Whether you want
to know how to achieve work-life balance, become an excellent leader,
develop better work habits, or recover from a career setback, there is
something for you. Once the crisis is over, you’ll have gained new
learnings that can be used in your career. Additionally, think about
pursuing higher education and getting your master’s degree, which
sometimes is a requirement for a job or even a promotion.
Find a mentor. A mentor can benefit you and your career in many
ways. They can offer valuable insight in advancing your career and be a
sounding board for your ideas at work. Since you may come from different
backgrounds, having a mentor can sharpen your communication skills and provide
a new perspective, which can be helpful in relating to your co-workers and
other individuals you cross paths in your career. A mentor is also an
avenue to build your network. When looking for a mentor, it’s advisable to
consider someone you know who is at a job or position you aspire to be at.
Alternatively, you can reciprocate the relationship by offering them resources
or promoting their projects to your network.
Gain experience. Experience is one of the
key factors that hiring managers look at. Consider making use of your
spare time to gain more experience in the field that you’re currently in or an
area you want to transfer to, while also earning some extra income. Even
at home, you can seek virtual tutoring opportunities and other online
freelance jobs. Try not to spread yourself too thin and find a side hustle
where you can manage your own time, like being an AXA financial advisor. During
this time, you might also want to
consider doing volunteer
work like organizing fundraising activities, food drives or PPE
donations. You
can even help the community and join a cause you’re passionate about.
Be smart with money. Living from paycheck to
paycheck may hinder you from taking chances on progressing your career given
the fear of being left with no steady source of income. If you want to take
risks and advance your career, creating a financial plan is a must. Start
building an emergency fund, save up for retirement, and opt to buy the right
health and life insurance products so that you’ll have a safety net when
emergencies or unexpected job problems occur. AXA Philippines has an extensive
portfolio of insurance and investment products that suits every need and budget.
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