Here's how you can overcome career plateaus and continue growing professionally in higher education.

1 Seek Feedback

Engaging in open and honest conversations with colleagues, mentors, or supervisors can provide critical insights into your professional strengths and areas for growth. Requesting feedback not only shows your commitment to personal development but also helps identify specific aspects of your job where you can improve or expand your skills. This can lead to discovering new interests or areas within higher education where you could contribute more significantly. Remember, feedback is a gift that can guide your next steps and help you navigate beyond the plateau.

2 Set Goals

Clear goal setting is a powerful tool to combat career stagnation. Start by outlining achievable short-term objectives that lead to your larger career aspirations. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By setting and pursuing these goals, you create a roadmap for your professional journey that not only helps you track progress but also keeps you motivated and focused on your growth within the higher education landscape.

4 Network Widely

Building a diverse professional network can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives that help you grow beyond your current role. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with peers both inside and outside of your institution. Networking isn't just about meeting new people; it's about exchanging ideas, finding mentors, and sometimes discovering unadvertised positions or projects that could be the next step in your career path.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?