Career Resolutions for 2012

Now that it’s 2012, it’s time to make some resolutions for the upcoming year! In addition to setting goals for a shrinking waistline and giving up the cigarettes, it’s also time to make some resolutions about your career. Last week, Amy wrote about challenging yourself in the new year. Today, I want to talk about some specific goals you can set to start off 2012 on the right foot.

• Resolution #1: Exploring educational options to learn more about your career
  

Whether you like your current field or not, I think a lot of us fall into a pattern of being complacent and just doing a passable job at work with the least effort possible. This isn’t going to help you get a raise or promotion, though, and if you look for a new job in the new year, it isn’t going to give your boss much to say as a reference for you. Consider going back to school for more career education so you can do a better job in your current position, even if it isn’t required. When you’re educated beyond your position, people will start to take notice and you’ll have a better change at advancing in your industry.

• Resolution #2: Taking an interest in the new media world

It doesn’t matter what industry you work in – new media (social media, blogging, etc.) is taking over! You can use social media to find a job, but it goes a lot farther than that. Many employers are interested in seeing social media skills on your resume, and helping your company understand this new frontier in advertising, marketing, product development, and customer service can help you get on the fast track for promotion. You don’t have to be an expert – just take an interest and learn as you go.

• Resolution #3: Checking out some cool jobs

If you aren’t happy in your current job, don’t get stuck in the mindset that you won’t be happy in any job in your industry. There are a lot of really cool jobs out there! Did you know that you can become a crime scene photographer if you want to combine law enforcement and art? Or how about working as a travel writer if you enjoy putting pen to paper and going on vacation for free? There are even clown jobs available for those who want to constantly laugh and have goofy fun on the job, and if you always wanted to drive the zamboni when you were a kid, maybe now’s the time to check out open positions in that field! The bottom line is that there are tons of unique job opportunities out there – you just have to look for them!