Become Your Own Career Activist
An activist is a passionate, educated, clear, motivated person. A Career Activist takes charge, identifies opportunities for growth and advancement, and isn't afraid to voice their goals at the right time.
We act as advocates for our kids, as 21st century parents, our parents, as fierce caregivers, our community, as volunteers.
Where are you in this dynamic? Have you ignored your own career activism opportunities ? Have you been actively advocating for your career, seizing every opportunity for growth and development? Or have you found yourself complacent, waiting for others to recognize your potential and hand you the opportunities you desire?
By the time you've reached mid-career, you have a wealth of experience and expertise under your belt. You've carved out a niche , earning a reputation as the go-to person for certain skills or knowledge. However, if you haven't been actively advocating for yourself, it can come as a surprise to your colleagues or management when you express a desire for growth.
As Mel Robbins reminds us, "no one coming to save you." I’ve edited it for my work with clients “no one is going to save your career but you.” While your colleagues may value your contributions, they may not always be aware of your career aspirations or the direction in which you want to grow.
Career activists shine a light on their wants and needs, even if it means disrupting the status quo. In the past, individuals often had to leave their organizations in order to rebrand themselves or pursue new opportunities. Today, tradition is out the window. Every industry has been disrupted by technology, especially AI. There are more avenues for internal mobility and career growth.
Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of nurturing talent from within and providing opportunities for employees to explore new roles and skillsets. As your own career activist, it's essential to actively seek out these opportunities for growth and advancement within your organization.
Whether it's expressing interest in a new project, pursuing additional training or education, or seeking out mentorship and guidance from leaders within your company, don't be afraid to take the reins of your career and steer it in the direction that aligns with your passions and ambitions.
By embracing this mindset and actively seeking out opportunities for growth and advancement, you can unlock new possibilities and chart a course towards a fulfilling and rewarding career without leaving your current firm or industry.
My top tips for becoming your career activist:
Intuitively chose to communicate: The best advocates bring data to the table and show up at the right moment. This is reading the room, knowing if this is a stressful week, an easier week where they might be receptive to a personal development conversation.
Communicate Your Value: Don't be shy about promoting your skills, achievements, and contributions. Make sure your managers and colleagues are aware of the value you bring to the table. Keep track of your accomplishments and be prepared to articulate them confidently when the opportunity arises.
Don’t wait until year end: Actively seek out this conversation ‘off cycle’ when all of your peers are not making requests, too.
Be Proactive in Pursuing Opportunities: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you—be proactive in seeking out new challenges and experiences. Be willing to take calculated risks that can propel your career forward.
Your career success is ultimately in your hands, so seize the opportunity to make this year your best one yet.
