Grow Your Career Wisely

Accelerating your career growth is a top priority for professionals. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a tech industry veteran, how do you continue to advance in today's fast-moving, competitive workforce? Take steps today to position your career for continued growth by implementing the tips below.

Have a Learning Plan

Creating a learning path is a small but meaningful action that can take you from career stagnation to career growth. If you don’t know what your career path holds, don’t worry, you're not alone. According to a 2018 LinkedIn survey, nearly half (47%) of all professionals ages 35 - 44 say they aren’t sure what their career path should look like. A learning plan can mean many things, but ultimately it means you are setting aside intentional time to learn and grow new skills. Aaron Frydman, CIO at First United Bank shares the importance learning for IT professionals:

Find a Mentor

Is there someone in your life that is dedicated to helping you grow professionally? Most likely there are a host of people who may have influenced your professional career. Did you know that 70% of successful professionals attribute their success to a mentor? Being a mentor doesn’t take a specialized skillset, just a willingness to dedicate time and effort to helping another grow.?

Mentoring plays a pivotal part in one’s personal and professional growth. In a recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and The National Mentoring Partnership, it was found that:

• 67% of businesses reported an increase in productivity due to mentoring
• 55% of businesses felt that mentoring had a positive impact on their profits
• 87% of mentors & mentees feel empowered by their mentoring relationship & develop greater confidence

Start with checking if your current employer offers a formal mentorship program. If not, think of a professional connection that you look up to and ask if they would be willing to set aside time to share their expertise. Chances are they would be happy to share their knowledge.

Power your Purpose

We don’t just come to work to earn money, we come because we have an inherent need to serve a purpose. There are countless surveys that show being fulfilled in our work is a top priority for employees.?

First United Bank's Business Systems Manager Wendy O'Rear speaks about how purpose has driven her career, "I went into IT because I wanted to make a difference.?There isn’t a class you can take to learn how to do what my team and I do...sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and figure it out. I stay in IT because I know what I do each day matters. My work results in a good experience for customers or employees, and that matters."

The key to honing in on your purpose is to focus on something bigger than yourself. Don’t focus on what you want for yourself, but where you can make an impact for others.

At First United Bank our vision is creating communities that flourish through continued mentorship of others and ourselves to Spend Life Wisely. To continue to grow in your own career?challenge yourself to learn new things, build relationships with those who can teach you, and focus on serving others through your work. Spend Your Career Wisely, apply now.