For a lot of us, New Year’s resolutions are just a recipe for disaster. Set one minute, only to be thrown out of the window the next.
Yet we hear from leaders in the industry all the time, that the most successful people in the business embrace a growth mindset, set clear goals for themselves and take control of their own careers (note: they don’t wait for their manager to do it for them).
So, now that ‘Twenty Twenty Thrive’ is upon us, here are our top 5 tips for how you can squeeze the most out of your career in the year ahead.
Build a Strong Professional Network
Whether you're just starting out or already advancing in your career, networking plays a critical role in success.
It’s not just about exchanging business cards or attending events—it’s about building meaningful, long-term relationships that can help you both professionally and personally.
Whether you're looking to advance in your career, gain industry insights, or considering changing jobs, networking provides opportunities that might not be available through solo efforts.
Attend Events and Conferences. Whether virtual or in-person, events are a great way to connect with industry peers, gain knowledge, and stay ahead of the curve on trends.
Join Industry Associations. Organisations like the Australian Institutes of Architecture (AIA), HiViZ Women Building SA, Property Council of Australia or the Civil Contractors Federation of South Australia are good examples of associations that provide valuable networking opportunities.
Seek Mentorship. As recruiters, we often see the benefits of strong mentorship reflected in a candidate’s growth. Seek out an individual who has experience and expertise in the areas where you want to grow, and see if you can carve out a mutually beneficial mentor/mentee relationship.
Stay Adaptable to Industry Shifts
It’s the nature of the construction, property, architecture, engineering and civil industries that they are constantly evolving.
Whether its supply chain changes, global economic factors or new technological developments, the way that projects are being executed regularly shifts. Being able to adapt to these shifts is key to long-term success.
Be Informed About Industry Trends: As recruiters, we love to keep a close eye on industry trends and employer needs. Understanding where the industry is headed—whether that’s higher density homes, sustainability or increased use of technology— will help you anticipate future job demands.
Stay Open to New Work Models: As more hybrid and remote roles, hotdesking and other new work models become available, being flexible about how and where you work is a must.
Showcase Your Willingness to Learn: Employers value candidates who actively seek out opportunities to learn new skills or take on new challenges. This may include seeking out embracing company-provided training options, projects that stretch your skills which may be in addition to your normal work, or opportunities to gain formal training or qualifications outside of your work hours. You may want to also consider diversifying your skills in adjacent areas (such as project management or digital design) to remain versatile in the face of shifting industry needs.
Develop Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills
In today’s multidisciplinary work environments, employers are looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, collaborate across diverse teams, and lead projects. While technical expertise is essential, soft skills often make the difference in career progression, especially for young professionals aiming for leadership roles.
Hone Your Leadership Skills: Even if you are not managing large teams yet, talk to your manager about the possibility of leading a smaller project, or offer to mentor less experienced colleagues.
Improve Your Communication: Whether you're working on a construction site or collaborating with architects, being able to clearly explain complex ideas to non-experts is a key skill that employers value.
Be a Team Player: Employers want candidates who work well in teams, understand the value of collaboration, and can navigate complex group dynamics.
Strengthen Your Interpersonal and Emotional Intelligence
While technical expertise is critical, soft skills often determine long-term success in the construction, property, architecture, engineering, and civil industries. Employers are increasingly valuing professionals who can foster strong working relationships, adapt to different communication styles, and navigate the complexities of team dynamics.
Build Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions—and recognizing them in others—can enhance collaboration and decision-making. Emotional intelligence is a key trait of effective leaders and team members.
Improve Conflict Resolution Skills: The ability to handle disagreements constructively and maintain positive relationships is essential in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability: Showing you can stay calm under pressure and adapt to change will make you an invaluable team player in these often-demanding industries.
Practice Active Listening: Great communication starts with listening. By fully engaging with others and showing empathy, you can build trust and ensure everyone feels heard.
Set Goals for the Long Term
While short-term job success is important, those who take a long-term approach to career planning are often more successful in the long run.
Set Career Milestones: Know what you want to achieve in the next few years and build a roadmap to get there. Do you want to manage a project, become a senior engineer, or specialise in a particular area like sustainability?
Commit to Continuous Learning: The most successful candidates are those who consistently seek to improve their skills through courses, certifications, or industry workshops.
Be Open to New Opportunities: Career paths in these industries can be nonlinear. Be open to taking on different roles or projects that help you build new skills or expand your knowledge base.
With the COVID years seemingly behind us now, loads of investment in SA construction and infrastructure coming down the pipe, and 2025 being coined “Twenty Twenty THRIVE”, it's a great opportunity to explore the ways you can propel your career forward and create new pathways to succeed.
At ROUSSOS Recruitment, we love to help industry professionals find their ideal career path, and when ready, the roles that will help them achieve those goals. If we can be of any assistance to you in your career in 2025, don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@roussosrecruitment.com.au
And in the meantime, HAPPY NEW YEAR!