Turbocharge your career in 2015

Determined to give your tax career a hearty push along in 2015? Here are some strategies to attract promotions and pay rises over the coming months.

Higher learning equals higher earning

Being better informed than most people can really help you get ahead, says Linda Descano, global head of content and social at financial group Citi. “Go long on industry knowledge and really, really understanding both the big picture issues and the skills to dive deep and understand technical concepts,” she advises. There are a lot of ways you can acquire knowledge but postgraduate tax education, particularly a tax course such as the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law, is one of the most efficient ways.

Network online

With the launch of apps such as butN, Networkr and CoffeetheApp, 2015 is likely to see the ‘Tinderisation’ of online networking (meaning, making business connections via the internet is going to get even quicker and easier). Of course, LinkedIn remains the leader in online networking so, if you’re not already, now is the time to fully exploit its potential, in particular by joining groups related to the industry, such as The Tax Institute. “These groups are full of influencers and even a small compliment from them can do wonders for your reputation, and ultimately your career growth,” says Jawad Khan of the blog Business 2 Community.

Be a mad professor

Find a niche that you can make your speciality. Soak in every bit of information you can on that topic, join groups and start a blog – before long you'll be a recognised expert. Global advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather does this with their staff, calling it “declaring your minor”. “Once declared, we will work together to build skill-sets around those passions so you become a known resident expert in your field of study,” says senior Ogilvy & Mather executive John Manley.

Be exceptional

Extraordinary workers progress at an extraordinarily pace. And, like the saying goes, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra. “If you're assigned a piece of work, do it – and then deliver just a little bit more. You'll delight your customers, and the word will get around,” says technology and marketing expert Mary Shacklett.

You don’t need to be a genius or put in 100-hour work weeks to advance your career this year. Just by putting in place the above strategies, and working that little bit smarter and harder can yield big results.

Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law

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