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This is the best way to kick-start your career

Night classes can be a great way of up-skilling while staying in your old job. Photo: Getty

Night classes can be a great way of up-skilling while staying in your old job. Photo: Getty

Keen on moving up in the world?

Excelling in our chosen profession is something most of us want to achieve, but it’s not always so easily done.

There’s a lot of competition out there, and often it feels like you’re one step behind the crowd.

But there are lots of ways you can set yourself apart from the rest, and it begins with hard work and thinking outside of the box.

Here are some career kick-starting tips, thanks to AustralianSuper.

Grow your network

Social media

Make sure you sanitise your social media accounts before you apply for jobs. Photo: Getty

Don’t have a mentor or someone you look to for career advice? It might be time to get one.

Even if you do have a mentor, it’s always worth looking into expanding your network.

A network can include people you already know and look up to, or new, likeminded people you meet at events and internships.

Cast your net far and wide – consider signing up to career-related workshops or lectures, and make a good impression on people you’d like to stay in contact with in the future.

Your network doesn’t have to be industry-focused, either – someone with a different background and skill set can provide advice that’s just as helpful as someone in a similar role.

Go online

This generation’s youth has both the advantage and the burden of taking part in the online recruitment world.

Not only are job ads now online, so are the forums potential employees can advertise themselves on, and build their professional networks.

An obvious example of this is LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional social media channel, which lets you connect with industry professionals, find jobs and show off your skills.

Having a LinkedIn account is by no means necessary for job hunters, but can go a long way in helping young people (and older) to get to know the competition and work on their CVs.

It’s also worth manicuring your other social media accounts when you’re looking for work – no future employer wants to see a picture of you at schoolies chugging down beer.

Up-skill

So you’ve got the uni degree and a handful of internships under your belt – that won’t always be enough in a competitive field.

Why not take on a night class and learn computer coding or first aid? Depending on your professional area of interest, an enhanced skill might help your resumé pop out to a recruiter.

Night classes

Night classes can be a great way of up-skilling while staying in your old job. Photo: Getty

Sydney Community College has a number of short courses by day and night, as does RMIT in Melbourne and TAFE SA in South Australia.

Of course, up-skilling doesn’t always have to cost money: internships are a great way to learn new skills, although it’s important to always have a frank conversation about what your tasks (and payment, if any) will be before you begin.

Sometimes all you need is a foot in the door

Another great way to start out in your dream career is to look out for new opportunities in your chosen career industry.

Sometimes all you need is a foot in the door. And that’s why AustralianSuper and Nova FM have teamed up this year to give a handful of dedicated young people the opportunity to take the first step to launching an exciting career, working with one of Australia’s most loved intimate live music events – Nova’s Red Room.

You’ll take part in a one-day mentorship program with experts from your chosen industry, and go behind the scenes at an exclusive event.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience that could kick-start your future while also giving you the chance to win $5000 to help get there.

For terms and conditions and to enter head to kickstartyourcareer.com.au – Hurry, the competition closes 13 March 2016.*


*Promoter is Nova 100 Pty Ltd (ACN 094 934 684). Competition closes 13/03/2016. Min age 18. Full terms and conditions can be found at kickstartyourcareer.com.au

This article has been sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788. The views and opinions expressed in any article accessed through The New Daily are those of the author or The New Daily and not the responsibility of AustralianSuper. For more information, please visit australiansuper.com

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