10 FOOD & AGRICULTURE PROFESSIONAL CAREER GUIDE GROW YOUR IMPACT: HOW TO REFOCUS, REFRESH AND ADVANCE YOUR CAREER GOALS Afnan Ashfaque DE LACY EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT IS IT TIME TO REFUEL YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS? WHETHER YOU ARE ACTIVELY SEARCHING FOR A NEW ROLE OR LOOKING TO ADVANCE WHERE YOU ARE, NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REFLECT, RESET, AND REFOCUS YOUR EFFORTS. Maybe you began the year with energy and enthusiasm, only to find your momentum slowing. Today’s the day to evaluate your progress and set the stage for growth. With a few strategic moves, you can grow your impact and use the rest of the year to reach your goals. 1. REFLECT ON YOUR PROGRESS Start by reviewing what you set out to achieve at the beginning of the year. What goals did you accomplish? Where did you fall short, and why? Take an honest inventory of your progress, and do not be afraid to adjust your targets. Job searching is rarely a straight path, and realigning your approach can often be the key to moving forward. Ask yourself: • Have I updated my resume and LinkedIn profile recently? • Do my application materials reflect my current skills and experience? • Am I applying to roles that truly align with my strengths and values? The answers can help you identify gaps, celebrate wins, and uncover opportunities to recalibrate your job search strategy. 2. REFRESH YOUR PERSONAL BRAND A strong personal brand sets you apart in a competitive market. Now is the time to update your digital presence. Ensure your LinkedIn headline speaks clearly to the roles you’re targeting and update your “About” section to reflect your current goals. Add any new accomplishments, certifications, or volunteer experiences that demonstrate growth and initiative. Consider sharing a post or article on your profile to spark engagement and highlight your expertise. Even something as simple as commenting on relevant industry news helps boost visibility and reinforces your interest in the field. 3. EXPAND AND NURTURE YOUR NETWORK Your network is one of your most powerful tools in a job search. Look for and take advantage of opportunities for professional meetups, industry events, alumni mixers, or even virtual coffee chats. Reach out to former colleagues, industry peers, and recruiters with a brief message to reconnect or express interest in opportunities. Many roles are filled through referrals or insider knowledge, so cultivating authentic relationships can open unexpected doors. Remember, networking isn’t just about asking for a job, it’s about exchanging insights, offering support, and staying top of mind for when the right opportunity comes along. 4. INVEST IN CONTINUOUS LEARNING Upskilling is one of the most effective ways to increase your impact and your confidence. PHOTO: Noah – stock.adobe.com
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