Universities are passing out graduates every year thus making the job market so competitive. For one to effectively get a job, you will have to do your best to secure your share of success. The following are some tips on how to become successful in your career.

Priorities and goals: Make a list and of your priorities and plan your day. The tasks of the day must be outlined with the most important and urgent ones on top. Likewise determine your short-term and long-term goals and evaluate your progress frequently….What are your priorities of the day?

Be focused: Are you really present physically and mentally. Try to block out all distractions so that you have the time to truly focus on your tasks and career.

Broaden your skills: Nothing remains the same and so do job requirements. Update your knowledge and skills. Seek improvement of your know-hows. Attend seminars, conferences, read books, be an eternal learner.

Socialize: Be ready to participate in social functions. Be open to new acquaintances. Meet new people and deal with them respectfully and enthusiastically. Be an active listener; you will surely learn something new…

Know your merits: Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you think you deserve a position or promotion, claim it. Do not remain silent about it because this will affect you psychologically.

Accept challenge: Through challenge you will reach areas of your personality you have never discovered before. It is a good idea to step away from your comfort zone to explore new horizons. If you settle into a routine and play it safe all the time, you will never get ahead in your career. ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll only get what you’ve already got’

Communication: Learn to communicate effectively. Listen to what others are saying and focus on how to give and receive constructive feedback, to persuade effectively and to ask for help and collect information.

Avoid gossip: Avoid office gossip about colleagues and the boss. Be respectful and work for the good of the company.

Relax: Relax and do something different, a hobby that you love doing. Take time off for yourself. This will help boost your productivity during week days.

Seek satisfaction: If you are disappointed with what you are doing, try to transform it into something you love. If you fail, it might be a good idea to do something different.

As Confucius said: ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ‘

  Career Guidance, Makerere, Success tips, University