What do you want to do when you grow up? It’s a question we all heard a lot when we were kids. But, when it comes to finding a job, knowing what you want to do only gets you so far. You also have to know where to find the best jobs in your preferred field—and that’s where it can get tricky.
Whether you’re looking to start a career or you want to change careers, you first have to find the right opportunities. To improve your chances of identifying great career opportunities, follow these simple tips.
1. Check Online Job Boards
Online job boards can give you a good sense of what job opportunities exist in your preferred field, how much those jobs pay, and what the qualifications for employment are. Some of the best job-search sites include Indeed, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, and Monster.
2. Use a Recruiter
Employment agencies, staffing firms, and headhunters connect job-seekers to job openings. If you have the right qualifications, recruiters can help get your résumé to the right people and help secure you an interview. And the majority of recruiters work at no cost to you.
3. Take Advantage of LinkedIn
LinkedIn has over half a billion users,1 making it the largest gathering of professionals ever assembled. It’s a great place to network and uncover job opportunities that may not be posted elsewhere. Just make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and provides plenty of information about you and your skills.
4. Network With Colleagues, Friends, and Teachers
You can learn about a great job opportunity almost anywhere, but you have to keep your ear to the ground. One great way to stay informed is to regularly talk to colleagues, friends, and teachers. You don’t have to constantly talk about jobs; simply by keeping the relationship active, you can ask for career advice and recommendations when you need them.
5. Talk With Your Boss
Great career opportunities might be available at your current employer. If you like where you work, take the time to talk to your supervisor about your career aspirations and ask about opportunities to advance in your current department or in a new department. You could be surprised by how willing your employer may be to help you succeed.
6. Earn a Degree Online
Online universities are specifically geared for working professionals. This makes online education a great way to meet other professionals in your field, gain guidance from educators, and take advantage of career planning and development—all while earning a degree that can elevate your credentials and make you more qualified for the best job opportunities.
Whether you’ve never earned a college degree before or you’ve already completed some higher education, the top online colleges and universities have the kind of degree programs you need to start or advance a career, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. And since accredited online colleges go through the same accreditation process as any good college that’s campus-based, earning a degree online can be as valuable as earning a degree from any other accredited university.
On top of all that, online learning offers a high level of convenience. You can take online courses from home or from anywhere else you have internet access. Plus, online classes have flexible scheduling, meaning you can complete your studies at whatever time of day works best for you. This makes it possible to earn a degree while continuing to work full time.
When it comes to finding great career opportunities, online schools can help you expand your professional network and gain the right skills for the job you want. It’s a great way to put yourself ahead.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Sources: www.omnicoreagency.com/linkedin-statistics
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.