I started my career in post-secondary a decade ago. I started in a frontline position, and I am currently in an Executive level position.
How did I do it?
It was not easy, but there is a formula, and I will outline a few of the essential tools for a pathway of this sort. This is not the entirety of the journey, but I believe tools are essential for success in any area of your life and career path.
Firstly, you must be consistent.
Do not underestimate the importance of this.
Do not negate or try to rush this. Do not breeze by this point as though you know what I am talking about because if you are breezing by this point, you probably do not understand the full significance of what consistency truly is about.
In order to become an expert in any field, you must dedicate daily, consistent time to that area.
You must sacrifice growth in other areas of your life to excel in one area of your life. I worked tirelessly to understand the post-secondary landscape, leadership, and field of education. I read, researched and learned every day; I tried to understand my job, as thoroughly as possible, but also the landscape of the profession I was working within.
I learned to connect the political landscape, social influence and overall policies of my profession and learned how my role influenced and shaped the field. I immersed myself in my field and dedicated daily time to this personal growth.
You have to be consistent even on the days when you doubt if any of it will pay off; that’s how strongly you have to believe in yourself.
You have to be consistent, especially when you think no one is noticing and you feel it will not be worth it.
You have to be consistent with yourself first and foremost; the attention from others will come, but if you need that in order to garner the energy for consistency, you will never grow.
