5 Professional development tools that everyone needs

When I think about building a successful career, I focus on things that are in my control. Knowing that I can drive my career makes me feel empowered. Recently, there have been a considerable number of articles about the great wave of people quitting their jobs to find something new. The desire to do work that we enjoy has become even more amplified. Developing your career is a wonderful way to infuse some energy and excitement into your professional life.
 
In this blog post, we will explore tools that have helped me grow my career. Check out my other "Her Career" blog posts for more tips and resources for a thriving career.
 
Tool #1: Learning & Skill building
One of the best pieces of advice that I received was that learning did not end once I got my degree and that it was important to continue learning. I took it to heart and made learning a part of my career development toolkit. Taking courses, trainings and certifications have helped elevate my professional profile a lot. I set a yearly goal to learn something new that will grow my career and make it happen. We all learn in different ways, so it is crucial to find what works best for you.
 
Questions to consider

• What do you need to learn to get to the next career level?
• How do you plan to learn it?

 
Tool #2: Mentorship & Sponsorship
In last week's post, I wrote about the value of mentorship and how much it has impacted my life positively. As you grow your career, you want to have people who can advise and guide you. Getting additional perspective from your mentors on your career decisions will help you accomplish big things and see things clearer.
 
Questions to consider

• Who are your professional mentors or sponsors?
• How do you leverage their knowledge and expertise?

 
Tool #3: Career Coaching
Reflecting on my career journey, one of the most pivotal moments was when I moved to the US in 2015. I quickly realized that I needed to do things differently in my career to thrive in this new country The new role was bigger than I had in the past, and I knew I needed some support. Working with a career coach helped me develop my plan, share my fears, and understand the professional system in the US better. As I plan for my next big career transition, I am working with a coach to prepare for the journey ahead.
 
Questions to consider

• What are some of the challenges you are facing in your career?
• How could working with a coach help you?

 
Tool #4: Professional Network
The people who are your companions on your professional journey are very important. Especially in the times we live in, building professional networks takes a lot more work and requires us to practice new relationship-building strategies. You can leverage your network to connect with people who have similar professional interests and share their knowledge. I enjoy having the opportunities to connect with my professional network and hearing about their experiences.
 
Questions to consider

• Do you have a professional network?
• How can you build or maintain your professional network?

 
Tool #5: Career development plan
Having a plan for your career will help you ensure that you are growing and developing. Documenting your career goals and checking in on your progress regularly should be something you do. It is easy to lose sight of your career ambitions when you do not have a plan.
 
Questions to consider

• What are your career goals?
• What steps are you taking to accomplish them?

 
Great Resources

• Own your career development
• How to find professional Sponsors
• How to rekindle your passion for work
• How to build a professional network
• Lessons I learned about Career Transitions

 
Call to Action

• Where do you want to go in your career?
• What steps are you planning to take over the next month?
• What is one professional accomplishment of which you are proud?