Careers can improve or
completely change direction over
time, but long term changes
don't just happen overnight -
you need to work at it. When
new opportunities arise -
sometimes popping up without
notice - will you be ready for
them? There are many things you
can do to increase you chances
of being prepared for these
opportunities when they appear.

1. Re-evaluate Your Priorities: Take
some time to stop and think
about what your priorities are in
your career and your life in
general. Don't be side tracked by
something that sounds good on
the surface but won't take you
where you want to be with you
career. Just because someone
else may do this, that or the
other thing to develop their
career path, doesn't mean you
need to. Do what is best for you.

2. Read: books, magazines, and
trade journals related to the
industry of either the job you
have now, or from an industry
you would like to be employed in.
Reading will help you acquire a
better perspective of the industry
and your place in it.

3. Do Volunteer Work: Volunteer to
do work for a charity or other
non-profit organization.
Volunteering is a great way to
network with both other
volunteers and with the people
working at the organization. This
can especially be helpful if you
can do volunteer work in an
industry you would like to get a
job in. You will not only have the
opportunity to network but will
gain experience in that industry
and well as learn more about
what a job in that field would be
like on a day to day basis.

4. Exercise Regularly: Exercise will
make you feel better and be
healthier. It will help you increase
your stamina when working long
hours or taking weekend or
evening classes - or just getting
through a typical work day. Right
or wrong, healthier feeling
people radiate an energy that is
more likely to get them
promotions and raises.

5. Eat Right: Along with proper
exercise, eating right can have
the same positive effects
mentioned above. If you have
kids, proper diet for yourself is
essential for teaching your kids
good eating habits.

6. Take Computer Classes: In almost
all jobs in every industry basic
computer skills are becoming
more and more necessary.
Classes in MS Word, Power Point
or Excel could really help boost
your career. Taking classes is a
great way to meet new friends
and network too! And if taking
classes isn't your thing, or if you
can't afford it, many books and
online tutorials are available to
teach yourself.

7. Develop Your Communication
Skills: Good communication skills
are essential for all endeavors in
life, especially for careers. This
includes verbal, written and body
language communication.
Consider joining a local
Toastmasters Club to increase
your public speaking ability.
These clubs are great even if
public speaking really makes you
nervous - the club members are
very supportive! You will learn a
lot from listening to other
members speak also. Many books
are available to help with writing
skills and good body language.
Remember, people who appear
relaxed and composed, and can
communicate their ideas clearly
are more likely to get promotions
and raises.

8. Learn a Foreign Language:
Learning a foreign language can
be quite a challenge, but
rewarding as well! Studying the
culture and language native to a
different country can help make
you more aware of alternate
ways of doing things - to think
outside the box! Many
companies have offices in other
countries, knowing the language
of one of these countries could
help make you more qualified for
positions opening there. Spanish
would likely be the most helpful
foreign language to learn for
those in the US.

9. Travel: If you can afford to take
vacation - do it! Travel, much like
learning a foreign language, can
help open your mind up to new
possibilities. Of course it's great
fun and relaxing too!

10. Challenge Yourself: Always
challenge yourself - step outside
your comfort zone. This is the
only way you can grow both
personally and in your career.
Don't be afraid of trying
something difficult, even if you
fail at achieving what you
originally intended to accomplish
- you will still learn something
new from the experience - and
this will help your career.