In Season One of the Leading Large podcast, I was fortunate enough to chat with nine incredible professionals from the construction, property, architecture, engineering and civil industries in South Australia.
Each of these individuals has carved out their own path to success, sometimes knowing exactly where they wanted to be from the start, other times taking less “conventional” paths, and most overcoming a range of obstacles along the way – some bigger than others.
But what binds all of these leaders together is not just their achievements, but also many of the lessons they learned about what it takes to be successful.
Here are their top ten tips on how to build a great career in these industries.
1. Find a Work Environment that Aligns with Your Values
When your values are in sync with your workplace, you are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction in your work, which can contribute to a positive mindset and increased motivation. It can also lead to greater clarity in your career path, and allow you to move forward with purpose.
When assessing whether a work environment aligns with your values, consider elements of a business such as company culture, work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth and development.
2. Build Strong Foundations
A strong foundation, just like aligning your values with your work environment, can provide a sense of clarity and direction, enabling you to navigate challenges and progress confidently in your chosen field.
Some elements of a strong foundation might include developing a strong work ethic, a focus on gaining essential technical skills and building a professional network around you.
3. Develop Essential Skills
Continuously developing skills and staying abreast of industry trends is crucial for establishing the essential skills you need for a strong career.
Developing these skills may include pursuing further education, attending industry events, and actively seeking opportunities to learn new technologies and approaches.
4. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Embracing a growth mindset allows for adaptability and continuous learning, essential for navigating the ever-evolving professional landscape
Professionals with a growth mindset usually view challenges and new situations as opportunities for learning and development, show perseverance in the face of adversity, embrace feedback and constantly seek ways to improve skills and knowledge.
5. Take Control of Your Career
It’s crucial that young professionals see themselves in control of their own career, rather than expecting their managers to do it for them.
Grab your career with both hands by setting clear career goals, identifying the necessary skills and experience needed, and actively pursuing opportunities for growth and development.
Taking control can also mean being willing to make difficult decisions, such as changing roles or companies to better-align with your career aspirations and goals.
6. Say Yes to Opportunities
Being open to new experiences and opportunities can help set you apart and propel your career forward in ways you may not have even anticipated.
Taking advantage of opportunities that come your way may see you step outside your comfort zone, look at challenges as a way to grow and learn, consider whether short-term sacrifices can lead to greater fulfilment in the long run, and be open to adapting your thinking over time.
7. Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Seeking guidance from those who have already navigated the industry can provide valuable insights and knowledge that might not be readily available elsewhere.
A mentor can help provide support, advice and perspectives earned over years of experience, and help you to navigate the challenges and opportunities in your career, and make informed decisions.
Actively seeking mentorship is also a clear indication of a willingness to learn and grow, a key characteristic of a growth mindset.
8. Seek Opportunities for Career Progression
Actively look for ways you can take on new challenges, volunteer for additional responsibilities or express interest in growth opportunities within your organisation.
Not only is this part of taking control of your own career, it will allow you to refine your career path and move toward roles and organisations that provide you with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
9. Authenticity in Leadership
The best leaders strive to be genuine and true to themselves as they progress in their careers.
Being authentic and ‘true to yourself’ really does require a personal lens, but key themes often include open and honest communication, embracing individuality and developing a leadership approach that feels genuine and aligned with your personality and values.
10. Importance of Balance
No-one kicks goals in their career if they are burned out.
Achieving balance might involve setting boundaries, prioritising well-being, and ensuring that personal life is not entirely consumed by work demands.
Great leaders also encourage wellbeing in others through fostering a culture where employees feel supported and valued, and healthy work habits are encouraged and respected.
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Each leader on the podcast goes into more depth on their perspective on some of these key themes, and provides examples from their own career that can help provide additional insight.
If you’d like to listen to the podcast to hear the advice for yourself, you can access all nine episodes here.
I genuinely hope that these words of wisdom are useful for you as you carve out your own successes, and I am always available for a chat if you’d like some advice on how you can better position yourself for the job you want, or to help you find your next opportunity.
Anna