Resolve to advance your career in 2010

 

The doctor stumbled across this great piece of advice on Forbes.com. Need we say more?

It has been a rough year for the global workforce. Jobs have been eliminated left and right. The threat of downsizing continues to loom. For those who still have a job, raises and bonuses are a receding memory.

Yes, times are tough. But that doesn't mean you should put your career goals on the back burner. This downturn will pass, hiring will ramp up again and you will want to be ready. With that in mind, here are career resolutions that will help you achieve success in 2010.

Your first one: Update your résumé. The end of the year is an ideal time to reflect on your accomplishments, especially if it's slow at work.

After you've done that, take it a step further and draw up a career plan. Think of it as like a financial plan, but for your professional life. Ask what you'd want to do one or two jobs from now. That way you can design a path to get there. Do you need to go to graduate school? Can you get to the next job at the company you're with now, or will you need to switch firms?

If you recently lost your job, allow yourself a few days to wallow. Then move full speed ahead. Attend activities at your professional association and get involved in its committees. Do one thing a day to push your job search forward, whether it's sending out a networking query, applying for a particular job or signing on with a temp agency that places professionals in your industry.

Don't forget: the business world is going to recover.

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