To help us answer these questions is coach, Fiona Hatton.
As a coach, Fiona supports women to live a happier life: through prioritising their wellbeing, doing more of what they love, and focusing on what really matters to them. She has worked with women who’ve gone on to change career, leave a toxic workplace, and make big life decisions about where (and how) they want to live.
Join the Yoco Studio community for free resources, useful tips and offers. Fiona is offering 30% off all bookings in July. Find out more about her coaching and yoga packages at http://www.yoco.studio.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US – WHETHER IT BE ABOUT WORK RELATIONSHIPS, GAINING CONFIDENCE, OR TAKING THE LEAP INTO TECH – YOU CAN ASK US ANYTHING.
Hi there,
I have been at my company for nearly 2 years, joined as Graduate Software Engineer. I am doing really well and love the company and recently won an internal award for contribution to my team. I was hoping that with this recognition I would be getting included in new projects, but I am still doing the same thing I was doing when I started and I very much want to build my knowledge. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but not sure what to do?
Thanks in advance,
Award winner
HEY AWARD WINNER,
Congratulations on your award! It’s always a joy to see someone’s efforts being recognised. And it’s also really great that you’re keen to work on new projects to develop your career. My first thought is, do others know that? But before you answer, I have a few more questions for you to think about too!
Why do you want to be included in new projects?
As well as career progression, think about the particular skills you want to learn. Perhaps there is a team you’d really like to get closer to. Or an area of work that you’d like to be known for?
If you imagine yourself in another 2 years’ time, what will working on these projects mean you can do, that you’re not able to do now? Understanding your motivation will make it much easier to decide on your next steps.
What interests you?
This question is designed to help you be intentional about the kind of projects you put yourself forward for – so that you’re not stretched too thin on work that doesn’t light a spark in you. Think about what you enjoy in and out of work, and then ask yourself what opportunities there are now, and what opportunities you could create yourself.
Who could help you?
Knowing why and how you’d like to be involved, means it’s much easier to work out who to speak to about new projects. Who, beyond your line manager, could you approach? Who could give you advice? Who is leading the projects you’re interested in? And who knows about new projects before they start?
Building a community of people will increase the number of opportunities you find out about – and will also mean you’re on the right radars when new projects are in development.
What could stop you?
Make a list of anything that might get in your way – from not having enough time to take on new projects, to finding out about initiatives once they’ve started. Ask yourself ‘what else’ as you go through the list – the more you have the better – so you’re prepared as and when blockers appear.
Realising you’re too busy for example, could mean that you need to reprioritise your work. Sometimes it can seem like a slog to overcome these barriers: remembering why you want to be involved in these new projects really helps to keep you motivated.
What is the first step?
By now you might have a whole lot of actions you want to take, which one will you choose first? Think about the impact, the effort and time needed, and when you want to have completed it. Sometimes finding an accountability partner – to share your goals with and who will check in to see if you’re on track – can be useful.
It is brilliant that you’ve decided you want to be more involved at work. Being intentional about what you want to try and why, could help you tap into some amazing opportunities. And making sure others know you’re interested could open up possibilities you didn’t know were out there. I’m excited for you! It sounds like you’re about to start on a really amazing new part of your career journey.
