Improve your soft skills and fulfill your potential

A realistic career plan is an essential ingredient for career growth and development.

Most people find it easier to stay on course if they have a goal in mind or timetable to accomplish the things they want to achieve. A career plan is an effective way to ensure you don’t lose motivation.

Between the accountability of having fixed objectives and the inspiration you will receive when you attain you career growth goals, your career plan is an opportunity to maximise your true potential.

‘No matter how motivated you are, a strong career plan is crucial to achieving your full potential,’ says Lee Owen, director of Hays Accountancy & Finance.

‘Your career plan should map out your next steps of progression, identify your strengths and weaknesses and what you can do in your current job to get to where you want to go. This will help you see what you’re capable of and how far you can realistically push yourself.’

Understanding

Trainees who undertake the necessary training are more able to perform in their roles. The training will give a greater understanding of responsibilities within roles and, in turn, build confidence.

Owen adds: ‘Training is also an important part of reaching your potential. You can take ownership of your learning by enrolling in formal training courses, participating in webinars and going to industry events. This will help you acquire new skills for to move up the ranks and take your career to new levels.’

Relationships and contacts are some of the most important influencers on how much you will achieve in your career.

This is why it is essential to find yourself a mentor. They can literally save you years of hard work, of trying to figure out how things work, what to focus on and how you can achieve your goals as quickly as possible. Perhaps this could be the person who you select as your practical experience supervisor, who will guide and support you in your practical experience requirement (PER) progress.

‘Let them help you shape your job in a way that allows you to achieve your full potential,’ advises Owen.

‘Your relationship with them should be one where you can discuss your strengths, weaknesses and what you want from the future. Their support might be instrumental in your professional and personal growth, and they might be able to give you direction that you hadn’t yet considered.’

This article was first published in Student Accountant