Career Development Tips: How to Grow in the Job You Have, or the One You Want

Introduction: What Is Career Development, and Why It Matters

Career development isn’t just about chasing promotions or switching jobs. It’s about making steady progress in your skills, confidence, and impact, whether you're just starting out or 20 years in.

You might want to:

• Get better at your current job
• Explore a new role within your company
• Build leadership skills
• Change careers entirely

No matter where you are, you have the power to grow. This article offers simple, practical tips to help you take charge of your career development. Plus, you'll learn how tools like the MAPP assessment from Assessment.com can help you discover what motivates you and which career paths fit you best.

Step 1: Know Yourself Before You Grow Yourself

Before you set any goals or take a new course, take time to understand:

• What do I enjoy doing at work?
• When do I feel most energized?
• What kind of tasks do I avoid or struggle with?
• What motivates me?

If you’re not sure, a career assessment can help. The MAPP assessment (Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential) on Assessment.com is a great place to start. It’s based on your unique motivations and interests and gives you a clear report that shows your natural strengths and best-fit career areas. It also helps you understand why certain jobs might drain you, even if they look “good on paper.”

When you know what drives you, you can make smarter choices about how you grow.

Step 2: Set Clear, Personal Career Goals

Your goals don’t have to be big, but they do need to be clear. Think about what progress looks like for you. Some examples:

• Learn Excel and improve at data entry
• Get a project management certificate
• Lead a team meeting confidently
• Move into a new department next year

Make your goals SMART:

• Specific: Clear and focused
• Measurable: You can track progress
• Achievable: Within reach
• Realistic: Not over-ambitious
• Time-bound: Has a deadline

Example:
“I want to complete an online customer service training course by September so I can apply for a supervisor role by the end of the year.”

Step 3: Ask for Feedback, and Use It

Don’t wait for an annual review. Ask for feedback regularly.

Try this:

“Hey [Manager or Coworker’s Name], I’d love to grow in my role. Is there one thing I could improve or do differently?”

Feedback helps you learn faster. Even if it feels awkward, it shows maturity and makes people see you as someone serious about improvement.

Step 4: Find (or Create) Learning Opportunities

Career development means gaining new skills. You don’t need to go back to school, you just need to keep learning.

Options include:

• Free online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube)
• In-house training programs at work
• Reading industry blogs or books
• Attending webinars or conferences
• Asking to shadow a colleague in a different role

Don’t wait for your boss to offer something. Be proactive.

Pro Tip: Once you learn something new, look for a way to use it right away. Skills stick when you apply them.

Step 5: Build Stronger Relationships at Work

Career growth isn’t just about what you know, it’s also about who knows you. Build a positive reputation by:

• Being helpful
• Following through on tasks
• Showing up on time
• Listening well
• Supporting teammates

Also, talk to people in other departments. Ask them about their work. These connections can open up future opportunities, and help you see different career paths within your company.

Step 6: Get a Mentor (or Be One)

A mentor is someone with more experience who gives you advice, answers questions, and helps you grow. You can find mentors at work, through a professional group, or even online.

If you’re more experienced, you can be a mentor too. Teaching others is a great way to sharpen your own leadership skills.

Step 7: Track Your Wins

Keep a “brag file” (also called a success journal). Write down:

• Projects you led
• Positive feedback you got
• Challenges you solved
• Numbers that show results (like sales, savings, or improvements)

This helps you:

• Build confidence
• Prepare for performance reviews
• Update your resume later

Example Entry:
“February: Trained 3 new hires. Created an onboarding checklist that cut training time by 30%.”

Step 8: Build Your Personal Brand

You don’t need a huge social media following to have a strong personal brand. Just be known for something positive.

Examples:

• The go-to person for solving problems
• The team member who always stays calm under pressure
• The creative thinker who brings new ideas

Be consistent, professional, and positive, especially online. LinkedIn is a great place to:

• Share work wins or lessons
• Comment on industry news
• Connect with people in your field

Step 9: Know When to Pivot or Explore New Paths

Sometimes career growth means leaving your comfort zone. If you feel bored, unmotivated, or like you’ve hit a ceiling, it might be time to explore new roles, inside or outside your company.

Go back to your MAPP assessment results to remind yourself what motivates you. If your current role doesn’t match your core drivers, you may need to look elsewhere for growth.

Questions to ask:

• What kind of work would excite me again?
• Can I grow where I am?
• What skills do I need to move forward?

You don’t have to quit right away. Start by:

• Talking to people in roles that interest you
• Taking a small course in a new skill area
• Doing a small side project or freelance gig

Step 10: Keep a Long-Term Growth Mindset

Career development is not a one-time event, it’s a journey. You’ll hit bumps. You’ll make mistakes. You might even change your mind about your goals.

That’s okay.

Stay curious, stay open, and stay focused on your growth, even when it’s slow. Over time, the small steps add up to big changes.

Career Development Checklist

• I’ve taken the MAPP assessment and know my motivators
• I’ve set 1–3 clear career goals for the next 6–12 months
• I ask for and apply feedback regularly
• I’m learning new skills monthly (even small ones!)
• I have a mentor or coach I trust
• I’m tracking my wins and updating my resume
• I’m known for a positive personal brand
• I’m open to change and new paths
• I take ownership of my career growth

Stay Aware! You Are in Charge of Your Career

Career development doesn’t require luck, fancy degrees, or perfect timing. It just takes clarity, effort, and consistency.

Start by understanding what motivates you through tools like the MAPP assessment on Assessment.com. Then set clear goals, learn new skills, and build strong relationships that support your growth. Whether you want to move up, pivot sideways, or simply do your current job better, you have the power to make progress.

Remember: The best investment you can make is in yourself.

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