It may be difficult to kick-start or progress a career. However, with the right people and resources, it is easier to proceed, and you can manage both the vicissitudes of life as well as your ups and downs in a more confident manner. Whether you are just starting out in your career or moving up the corporate ladder, having the right contacts and access to the right resources can mean you have an easy ride. The following are some of the steps that will help you get on course:

• Utilise Professional Contacts

One of the most important tools in your career toolbox is, without a doubt, a robust professional network. You become in touch with peers, mentors, and industry colleagues—all bringing you information, jobs, and ways of thinking you never could possibly find otherwise. It’s very important to find your inspiring sources; together with them, you could be much more experienced in some specific field or share the same background. The networking events, LinkedIn, or industry meetups are a beneficial place to begin.

With a positive network, you will access their knowledge whenever you face challenges or explore new opportunities. Do not hesitate to ask questions or seek advice or feedback—which is one of the quickest ways to learn and develop professionally.

• Continuous Learning and Development

Regardless of the point to which your career has developed, there’s always further development that can be made. Being up to date on what is happening in your field and improving on what you already know is a key thing. This may require taking courses, programmes, or even attending workshops that teach skills in demand or going for certifications that position you better.

Being open to learning new things exhibits both flexibility and dedication to your work. This will further help you remain competitive in the constantly changing job marketplace.

• Seeking Career Counseling and Mentoring

One’s life would be completely impossible without a career guide. A mentor offers the much-needed insight and support to address any of these issues, whether it be changing careers, advancing in one’s career, or simply encountering obstacles at work.

Consider identifying a person who can give you insight coming from personal experience. Some organisations also provide career coaching as well as resources to help employees reach their full potential. If you cannot decide where to begin, Workforce Australia is stocked with many services that will bring you closer to advice, support, and opportunities in career development.

• Set Clear Goals

A person needs a vision of the end goal in order to succeed. Career goals, both short- and long-term, give one a path forward. Big goals should be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps, and accomplishments should be celebrated along the way. Goal setting is an important part of any successful career; it helps keep you focused and also provides a motivational factor along with purpose in movement. It is also essential to periodically review these goals and make changes if necessary to remain in alignment with what is desired.

Career success is based on a supportive network, willingness to learn, and making constant changes according to variations. Leverage the power of your network, find a mentor, continually develop, state clear goals, and balance things such that the career path is walked into with confidence.