More and more professionals get their life satisfaction and purpose from their career. It is not surprising therefore that employees work diligently for long hours just so they can reach their career goal or certain level of success. It was common for companies to plan and determine the career path of their workers decades ago; however, such is no longer the case considering that the focus of organization has shifted dramatically to making profit, hence, if one desires to get ahead of his career then he needs to take control of his destiny in the work place. Being in charge means at the end of the day if one did not reach his goals then there is no one else to blame but himself; in the same manner should the opposite happen then credit is all his.

If you are interested in knowing how to control your work destiny, here are practical career development tips to help you do so:

• Do not forget to make a periodic assessment of where you are. As the popular saying goes, “That which cannot be measured, can never be attained,” thus, it is essential that as you move in your career you assess and evaluate if you are truly progressing. Some people take a career detour thinking that it will get them faster to their goal but in reality they are taking a huge step back; if you are regularly assessing where you are in terms of where you want to be, then such eventuality will not happen.
• Stop waiting for things to happen but rather make things happen. If you feel that your superior, the company, or your colleagues are not giving you the opportunity to shine, you better stop moping and create avenues for yourself. However, for you to do this, you have to constantly ensure that you are updated and competitive in terms of skills and knowledge; keep in mind that learning and getting better never stops.
• Find a competent and trustworthy mentor. Having someone to work with who can serve as your guide and adviser is very critical in career development, nevertheless, do not expect that your boss will automatically be your mentor considering that more often than not they are those who are outside your division, if not outside the company altogether. Do not forget that the most important quality of a mentor is his interest in your professional and personal well being.
• Be sensitive to know when it is time to leave. If you have been working in a company for years without progressing or getting better opportunities then it is time to move on. Do not tolerate an organization that does not have a culture of empowerment or that which is purely utilitarian. It is better to leave as early as possible rather than spending your best years there without any results.
• Always keep an eye for building your network. Those included in your network should not be limited to the people you personally know but also to the people that they are acquainted with. This is particularly helpful if you are looking for career opportunities or advancement since numerous people will be on the lookout on your behalf.
• Be mindful of how you present yourself. Although your skills and knowledge are the most important factors when you are working, you should never forget that as superficial as it maybe, fact is people generally judge another person by his appearance. Hence, you should choose your dress and how you look according to how you want to be perceived by others. Furthermore, studies suggest that dressing like a winner can actually condition your mind towards this end.

The items on this list are just some of the most doable ways to help you turn your career towards the better. Essentially, all the tips mentioned are just reminders on the importance of being proactive and aggressive in terms of career development.