Who's that Girl?
![image_dividerx2 image_dividerx2](https://www.h3hr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image_dividerx2.png)
Job Secrets: 6 Steps To Prevent Your Job Title From Defining You
Originally posted: September 28, 2013 on TrishMcFarlane.com
I recently had a conversation with one of my colleagues from India and we were sharing stories about how in our careers, we have both been known as people who can do more than what our specific job title would indicate. We weren’t talking about being able to take on more responsibility in order to receive a promotion, we were talking about learning and using skills from another industry to help further our careers.
Breaking out of YOUR mold
I spent many years learning human resources and honing my skills related to compensation, benefits and employee relations. It wasn’t until I reached my mid-thirties that I realized that I was compelled to learn more about technology, finance, marketing and communications, and ultimately social. Spending my free time educating myself was some of the best time I’ve ever spent in terms of the return on my investment. The best compliments I get now are when someone tells me I’m a good writer, a marketer, or an expert for them in social media.
What are you known for?
When I think of the most successful people I know, these are the people who continuously increase their knowledge. Here 6 steps you can take to update what you are known for and be more than the definition of your job title:
- Identify industries you want to learn more about- Before you invest your time, make sure you have carved out a path that is not only going to be interesting for yourself, but one that will actually provide you improved business opportunities in the end.
- Read as much as you can online about the topic- The internet brings the best education to us at our fingertips. It’s easy to find written works from experts in your chosen field as well as video to teach you what they know.
- Interview “experts” already in that field and ask for recommendations to get up to speed in that industry- This is the time you really need to break out of your comfort zone. You will be reaching out to people you may not know and asking for them to help you learn. Keep in mind that many people like to
- Listen to podcasts on the subject while driving or working out
- Register for a course online or at a local university
- Ask to job shadow someone already working in the industry
With a bit of time, a plan, and a desire to learn and expand, you will be able to position yourself to no longer be defined by your job title. What have you done to change this in your career? Share with us in the comments.
![](http://www.h3hr.com/wp-content/plugins/bb-plugin/img/pixel.png)
Author
Categories
Tags
Share
Related Posts
How we can help
Led by Trish Steed and Steve Boese, H3 HR Advisors harnesses over 40 years of experience to delivery HCM insights and guidance to global organizations.
H3 HR Advisory services
By leveraging technology, analytics, and our deep industry knowledge we can help you to reposition your workforce and ensure that you have the right people with the right capabilities in the right roles to positively impact the growth of your business.
HR Happy Hour Podcast Network
Created in 2009, The HR Happy Hour Show is hosted by Steve Boese and Trish Steed and is the longest continuously running internet radio show and podcast on Human Resources, HR Technology, Talent Practices, Workplace and Leadership topics.
H3 HR Speaking Services
We work closely with every client to customize your content - keynotes, webinars, research, infographics, and buyer’s guides - to inspire, educate and inform the audience enabling you to reset and realign your organization for a talent-led breakthrough.
Get in touch
Talk to us today and find out how we can help you and your organization leverage HCM technology to attract, onboard, retain and manage top talent.