Reflections from The Digital Diva: Advancing in your Career

August 28, 2020

With over 20 years’ experience in the corporate workplace in various industries, from Telecommunications, Media and currently CPG, I took the time to share my learnings on how to advance in your career. I recently shared this on the Women in Digital (Kenya) group when I facilitated a coaching session. I don’t know it all, but what I do know for sure, is…

1. No one will ever hand you a role. You have to take it.
2. Volunteer for projects outside your scope. This not only gives you visibility but it expands your skill set.
3. Take the job then figure out how to do it. Like having a child, you will never be fully ready for that promotion. So just go for it and you will learn as you go.
4. Never stop learning. Take advantage of the easy access to knowledge and information via Webinars, Online Journals, You Tube “university” and more.
5. Mentor to someone early in their career. You will be surprised how much that grows you in return.
6. Ask for feedback constantly! From peers, family, bosses. This will help you know when you are winning or where you need to improve.
7. Do a formal assessment of yourself. If you can, take the Hogan, Birkman, or similar personality tests. Understand what areas you are strong/weak and then have development plan to address these.
8. Share your vision, your dreams with your partner/family…it helps to verbalize it but also to prepare them when the dream comes true!