Five Ways to Grow a Career

As the communications field slowly moves from newspapers and television news toward online journalism, you'll see fewer traditional jobs and more online positions in the future. Following the same career advice you used in the past won't help you land a new position, and that advice might even damage your reputation at work. Learning what works and what doesn't work is the easiest way to keep your career moving.

When you first applied for jobs in your field, you likely sent a resume and a cover letter to an employer and waited for a response. In the modern world, you must rely on newer forms of technology. Rob Asghar points to the increased use of LinkedIn for professionals looking for new positions and networking opportunities.

1. Use professional headshots on online profiles. While LinkedIn lets you post your resume, you might also notice that the majority of users submit a photograph when starting an account. Though you wouldn't put a photograph of yourself on a paper resume, you should add a picture when using LinkedIn and other websites. If you want to avoid watching your career sink, opt for a professional photograph and avoid personal images or pictures that show you in a negative light.
2. Be realistic. One of the worst pieces of job advice, and one that might sink your future career, involves doing what you love or following your passion. If everyone did the same job they wanted to do as children, the world couldn't exist. No matter how much you love on-air reporting, you might find that you don't have the look or voice that television stations want, and even if you love writing, you might be better suited as a researcher. If someone tells you that the best career advice involves doing what you love, take a good look at yourself and decide if you have the skills needed to do so.
3. Show up on time every day. Employers want workers who won't cost the company money by coming and going whenever they want. In the communications field, you can risk missing out on a big story or an important project by arriving even a few minutes late.
4. Maintain a professional attitude at all times. You never know who might overhear the office gossip you share with a coworker, and you never know when something you said in the past might hurt your future.
5. Ask for career advice from established coworkers and follow it. Anyone you work with has the potential of becoming your mentor, but you won't get help unless you ask for it. Talk to potential mentors about the job advice they asked for when first starting in the field.

Good career advice only works if you actually follow it. By keeping current with technology, behaving professionally, and keeping your mind open to the suggestions of your mentors, you can not only protect your communications or media career—you can advance it.

(Photo courtesy of Ambro / freedigitalphotos.net)