A lot of people take a break during the holiday season and figure it is just a slow time of year for everyone. This is absolutely not true and the worst thing you can think when trying to further your career. This is the perfect time to take advantage of everyone's down time and stay productive and steadily moving forward.
Here are 5 tips to help you do just that:
Network – Office parties, gift exchanges and other get-togethers provide plenty of reasons to mingle at the holidays. You can leverage these seasonal soirees to network, meet new people and build relationships. Select the events you attend carefully, focus on cultivating relationships rather than consuming food or alcohol, and follow up with the contacts you have made after the holidays are over.
Manage Your Time – Gift-purchasing, card-sending and holiday events place extra demands on your time during the holiday season. For many legal professionals the holidays are busier at work as well. For example, those who practice in transactional areas such as corporate law and municipal finance might feel pressure to close deals by the end of the year. Law students and other legal students are swamped with year-end exams.
Volunteer – The holidays provide more volunteer and pro bono opportunities than any other time of the year. While volunteering may help you get in the spirit of giving, it can also benefit you professionally. Volunteering can help you expand your network, make contacts, gain new skills, build your resume and meet law firm pro bono quotas. Pro bono work can also yield less tangible rewards such as personal satisfaction and professional recognition.
Spread Good Will – The holidays provide a good excuse to connect with others and strengthen relationships. In these challenging economic times, expensive gifts and lavish dinners may not be in the budget. However, you can still connect with peers, reward employees and show client appreciation through a simple card, handwritten note or thoughtful e-mail.
Use Time off Wisely – Many employees take time off for the holidays. In addition to spending time with friends and family, you can use this down time to boost your career. Students can jumpstart the search for summer clerkships or internships, set up informational interviews or begin next semester’s reading. Job seekers can perfect their resume, practice interview skills and expand their social media presence. Practicing legal professionals can network and get caught up on projects that have been placed on the back burner.
So while you are relaxing and enjoying time with your friends and family don't forget to do something to further your career ever single day during the holiday season.
Can you offer some advice on what daily activities one can do to focus on their career even during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season?
Article Source: Legal Careers About
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