For finance and accounting professionals, the summer slow-down is an opportunity to accelerate your career. By setting strategic personal development goals, you can sharpen your skills, expand your network and position yourself for future success.
Here are five summer career moves to help you advance during this quieter season.
When choosing professional development goals, it helps to start with your long-term career aspirations and work backward to create smaller, actionable objectives. If your long-term goals don’t help, you can reference recent performance reviews for high-value growth and improvement areas.
Once you have a goal in mind, use the SMART goal method to ensure your summer career moves are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
The fundamentals of accounting and finance don’t change, but the industry and the economy do constantly. Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to publications, following thought leaders or attending webinars or conferences.
Knowing the trends arms you with the ability to make strategic decisions about your professional development. Look for areas where demand grows, or disruptive technologies create opportunities.
If you haven’t paid attention to your LinkedIn profile in a while, this is a good time to refresh it. Highlight recent achievements, new certifications, or expanded responsibilities, especially if they align with your career objectives.
Take this time to request recommendations from colleagues and managers who have seen your new skills or improved performance in action. Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date prepares you for unexpected opportunities and makes it easy to update your resume when you need it.
You never know where your next opportunity might come from or who might be willing to recommend you. A robust professional network brings new opportunities, so include reconnecting with former colleagues and mentors in your summer career moves.
This quieter season is also an opportunity to expand your network and meet new allies. In addition to joining groups and attending events, consider offering your expertise or assistance to others. Your professional generosity can lead to mutually beneficial relationships and enhance your reputation.
Good self-care habits support your long-term success by keeping your mindset positive and your body energized. Summer is an outstanding opportunity to implement some routines and habits that make you feel better and think more clearly. They may include changes in diet, adding exercise, getting outdoors more, spending time with your favorite people, or getting your home or office organized.
Don’t let this quieter season pass you by; take action to accelerate your career. If you’re looking for new opportunities, Century Group is here to help you make the right moves. Submit your resume today to start your journey.
