Sightings | Alumni News
Career Matters
Time to Grow Your Career!
Spring is here and flowers are growing, but how about your career? Perhaps there is a project that you would love to lead or a client you want to bring on board. Glenda Lee, assistant director of the Nicholas School’s Office of Career Services, says that a few simple steps can demonstrate leadership and resourcefulness to help you advance to the next level.
• A good place to start is by mentoring younger associates. Explaining your job to someone else requires a critical examination of your duties. This examination could highlight key successes or areas you want to improve. Mentoring shows initiative and a dedication to advance the company’s objectives.
• Is a new project on the horizon at your organization? Create a list of your on-the-job achievements and how these qualify you for the upcoming project. Take the list to your manager and talk with her. Even if you are not placed on the project team, she likely will keep you in mind for the next one.
• Are you consistently getting accolades and compliments about work contributions, but are not being recognized in other significant ways? It might be time to request a salary increase. Depending on your company, a monetary raise might not be possible, but consider asking for more time off or for a flexible work schedule. It is crucial to demonstrate how your past performance merits the request and how it could help improve your productivity.
• If you are new to your job, outline three career goals you have for the year: submitting a publication, expanding community outreach or presenting at a conference. Create a plan to achieve these goals. Meet with your director to discuss goals and keep him posted about your accomplishments.
Growing within a career requires initiative, says Lee. “In a few hours a week you can demonstrate leadership, innovation and creativity that can take you to the next level in your workplace.”
Need help? Call or e-mail Karen Kirchof (919-613-8016 or kgki@duke.edu) or Glenda Lee (919-613-8079 or gslee@duke.edu) in the Office of Career Services.