Professional growth is essential to building a successful career but with so many things on our plate every day, forgetting or setting it aside for “another day” can be easy. It’s up to you to prioritize your career as no one else will do it for you. Below are four tips to step forward and take charge of your professional growth.

1 - Enhance your knowledge

Take a class that will benefit you and your career. Many schools offer late night or online classes that can work around your schedule and many companies will reimburse tuition costs. Some other options are to join an industry group, attend workshops, educational sessions or conferences. Find one that will be most beneficial to your industry and where you can learn new skills as well as make new contacts.

Networking is very important in succeeding in your career. Associations, classes and conferences are a great time to network with others in your same industry and career.

2 - Capitalize on mentorship

It is important to find someone who you can run ideas past and go to for guidance and advice. Whether your company has a mentoring program or you find someone outside of your company, it is important to find someone who has an interest in helping you and has more experience than you. Learn from your mentor, ask them what path they took, what worked and what didn't.

3 - Improve your communication

It is essential to continue to work on your communication skills. In order to be successful, you need to be able to communicate effectively and efficiently. This includes being able to communicate your vision, goals, skills, intentions and expectations. You must also be a great listener and listen to what others are communicating.

4 - Step outside your comfort zone

Getting involved in projects outside of your normal responsibilities can be a great way to learn, grow, and expand your skills. Learning new skills is a great way to grow your professional development. Sitting with a co-worker for even a few hours can be beneficial.

Through all of these, it is very important to not neglect those soft skills. It is always important to improve on those everyday skills such as organization or time management. These skills are your building blocks to better professional development.

Set yourself up for success by challenging yourself to go beyond your existing circumstances.