How to Develop in Your Role

When you begin a new job, there is a predetermined task list which you will need to complete. However with time, as you get to know your role and the business you’re working for, you have the opportunity to make the role your own, adding value in areas where you may not have been able to before. There are a number of ways in which you can focus in on this process and give it a helping hand.

Show willing whenever you can. Offer to help out with additional tasks, or ask if you can have some more exposure to certain areas you’re interested in. This will help you to learn about how the company functions, and will show that you have a genuine interest in it, which are both very important factors if you want to progress.

Ask for regular reviews or appraisals. Most companies will offer them on a yearly basis at least, and perhaps more often when you’re a new employee. There’s no reason why you can’t have them more often though, as they’re a brilliant learning tool. Discussing your role and the quality of your work will help you to ascertain where your strengths lie and where you need to improve in order to develop yourself further.

Once you get to know the business and your job role, start to think about how processes could be improved. If you have any good ideas, share them with your manager. Suggesting ways of improving won’t be seen as a criticism, as long as you don’t phrase it as such – it will show that you’re interested in the company moving forward, and that you’re able to think outside the box.