Making a career move can feel like a rollercoaster—exciting yet daunting. Whether you’re ready to pivot, climb the corporate ladder, or dive back into work after a career break, being intentional about the next step in your career, is a must. Here’s a fun and practical guide to help you take that next leap, complete with expert tips from career guidance counsellor Girija Kele.
1. Let Go Of The Guilt Trip
Many women feel like they owe unwavering loyalty to their job or team and worry about what will happen if they leave. Let go of the need for worry about how others will cope without you. Focus instead on empowering yourself as well as your team. Rise to new challenges that allow you to grow. Don’t let guilt hold you back—your growth matters!
2. Know What Makes You Tick
Pause to think about your strengths, interests, and goals. What do you really want from your career? Girija Kele advises, “Understand your core strengths and align them with your career aspirations. Often, women tend to downplay their abilities, but self-awareness will open doors to roles you’re genuinely passionate about. I strong recommend using a Venn diagram to find career opportunities that fall at the centre of your strengths (what you’re great at), interests (what you love), and goals (where you wish to be). Women require the most awareness and visualisation for the last one. Pausing to reflect is the first step and aids career decisions.” can be your new best friend here. Figure out what excites you and where you want to shine.
A simple SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or NOISE (Needsm Opportunities, Improvements, Strengths, Exceptions) framework is your new best friend. Figure out what excites you and chase it.
3. Be Fearless And Tenacious
Don’t take no for an answer. If someone says it can’t be done, ask why. And if you can’t get a seat at the table, create your own table. Confidence is your superpower—channel it! How you deal with adversity will define your future.
4. Work Your Network Like A Pro
Network to building meaningful connections. Girija explains, “Many women might hesitate to reach out, thinking that it comes across as pushy. Networking is about building relationships. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn or even Facebook and WhatsApp groups.”
If you’re coming back from a career break, touch base with old colleagues, friends, or alumni. They might have leads or advice you’d never have considered.
5. Upgrade Yourself
Upskilling is a necessity. Identify what skills your dream job needs and start learning. Girija points out, ’Skill gaps are a common concern among women looking to advance their careers. Fortunately, there are affordable and accessible options now, like Coursera, Udemy, or Skill India initiatives.’
6. Wear Your Title Proudly
Wear your title as well as you do your best outfit. Stand tall and clear in your status and accomplishment. Stop downplaying your achievements—own them! Your value is vastly beyond enough, so embrace your success with ease and awareness.
8. Ask For What You’re Worth
Negotiating is a skill you’ve got to master. Talk about your accomplishments confidently, show how your skills benefit the company, and ask for what you want assertively. You deserve that raise or promotion, so don’t shy away from asking.
10. Level Up Your Leadership Presence
Develop a second team. Your ability to be perceived as a leader is as strong as the leaders you’ve developed around you. Invest in them and their career development. Position them for stretch assignments, and then recognise and reward their efforts. Leadership is about uplifting those around you as you uplift yourself.
Your next career move is all about knowing yourself, taking action, and staying confident. Let go of the guilt, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve. It’s your journey—own it and enjoy the ride!