Taking Control of Your Career
I want to wrap up 2025 on an important note: Self-Advocacy and Taking Control of your Career. One of the most powerful career lessons I learned professionally, prior to becoming a career coach was simple yet crucial; no one will care more about your career than you do. I always advise people that you could be waiting a really really long time before anyone ever sits down with you and proactively asks you; “so tell me, what would you like to do with your career?”. So it’s up to you, to take control and steer your career. To put yourself firmly in the driver’s seat by sharing your capability and advocating for yourself. So what are some ways you can do this?
Know Your Target and Your Value Proposition
Self-advocacy and taking control of your career starts with clarity. You have to know what you’re aiming for and also, what you bring to the table. For example, what are your strengths? Where do you want to grow? What value do you bring? This is about getting crystal clear on your professional narrative. Without this clarity, it’s impossible to feel clear, confident, or advocate for yourself effectively.
Self-Advocacy is Smart
Self-advocacy is not about boasting or skiting, it’s about being smart and intentional about making your value known. When you are clear on your goals and your strengths, you then need to let others know. But here’s the key: You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room, but you do need to speak up. And while it’s important to speak up and advocate for yourself, it’s equally important to back it up with hard work. Deliver on your goals, stay consistent, and continue to build trust with those who support you, and most importantly; be visible in your strengths.
Find the Right Ears
Self-advocacy and steering your career, also means being strategic about where you invest your time. Find the ears that want to listen - those who believe in you and your potential, possibly more than you do. These are the people who will champion your growth and support you when you need it most. Spend your time with those individuals - your professional sponsors, and lots of it. Treat these individuals like the most important people in your career because, as you grow, they likely will be.
Thinking about your career and the new year ahead, what’s your plan for 2026? Perhaps it’s about getting market-ready for a change and working on your CV, professional narrative, job target, networking, confidence, and presence. Or maybe it’s about finding more meaning or direction, or enjoyment. Perhaps it’s not so much about changing what you do for work but evolving how you work. If you or someone you know would benefit from 1:1 targeted professional career coaching and support, please reach out for a no obligation chat.