Career Strategies For Women

Check out these smart strategies for building long-term career success by Jennifer Berry

Career Strategy #1 - Make Sure You Have the Right Credentials

When it comes to long-term career success, education can really pay off. In fact, having the right credentials can help you qualify for more jobs, open the door to greater earning potential, and lead to a higher quality of life down the road. But in today's competitive world, it's not enough to simply "get educated". You need to ensure you get the right education.

"Education and careers are intertwined," says Dr. Brooks. "In some cases a specific degree or educational path is required to enter a career field."

"Research the career field you're interested in to determine the best education path to pursue," Dr. Brooks suggests.

Career Strategy #2 - Determine the Best Career for You

"Look at where career fields are going, not just where they are right now," Dr. Brooks advises.

Some key things to think about: job growth, pay, and long-term stability.

Health care, for example, is a solid field with growing opportunities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides is projected to experience substantial growth through 2018.

Outsourcing is another thing to think about when trying to settle into a career with stability. If you think a job can be easily done elsewhere, this is a warning sign for future issues, says Dr, Brooks. "Build skills that can't be performed by a computer," she advises.

Career Strategy #3 - Be Positive and Proactive

For long-term stability, try this for a career strategy: Be positive and proactive.

"Focus on the job at hand," says Dr. Brooks. It's easy to get overwhelmed when you have a lot on your plate. Take on one task at a time, and devote your whole attention to it. You might be surprised to find that you can accomplish more - at a higher level of quality - when you can focus your efforts.

"Do everything well." While no one should ever expect perfection of themselves, that doesn't mean you should ever do something half way. Treat your job responsibilities seriously; take pride in your work; and success should follow.

"Stay positive…" advises Dr. Brooks. Take a hard look at how you act at work and put a stop to negativity and start engaging in more proactive, positive behaviors.

Career Strategy #4 - Go the Extra Mile

If you want to stand out at work, you can't simply perform the tasks assigned to you. You have to bring more to the table. Approach your job with a "How can I serve?" attitude. "Think about your customers, clients, supervisors, etc.," Dr. Brooks suggests. "How can you make them look or feel better? What one thing can you do today to improve something at your workplace?"

Taking the initiative and offering to solve problems that aren't strictly in your job description demonstrates that you're thinking about the company, not just about yourself - and that can really help you stand out.

Career Strategy #5 - Get Noticed for the Right Reasons

"Focus on what is important to your company or organization. Then strive to improve that area," Dr. Brooks says.

"If customer satisfaction is a valued commodity in your office, for example, how are you going the extra mile to ensure that? What do you do that is different or special? How are you applying your key strengths every day at your work?" asks Dr. Brooks.

From there, find ways to make sure those above you are aware of what you're doing. This could involve something as simple as sending a quick email when you've finished a task and noting what results you achieved. Getting on your supervisor's radar - and making sure they're aware of your accomplishments - could pay dividends when it's time for a promotion.