In order to succeed in 2025, the best advice from a career coach is to be proactive.

It is beneficial to establish career objectives early in the year, as many individuals use January as a time for reflection and goal-setting.

"According to career coach Phoebe Gavin, the most successful professionals are proactive, meaning they take the time to set clear intentions and consistently work towards them throughout the year."

Gavin recommends beginning by defining your work objectives for 2025. He divides them into two groups: internal goals that can be achieved within your company and external goals that require action outside of it. Consider whether you want a new or enhanced skill set, a promotion, a new job, a salary increase, or a career change, he advises. Then, determine which category your goals fall into and create a plan to achieve them by identifying the necessary actions.

Here's how.

'Build stronger relationships with colleagues'

To achieve your internal goals for the year, such as obtaining new projects, a raise or promotion within your current company, it is important to align your contributions with the organization's objectives and to document your achievements as evidence of your success.

Gavin emphasizes the importance of building stronger relationships with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and cross-functional partners for advancement. He explains that success in the workplace is not only based on merit but also on how confident decision-makers are in one's ability to deliver.

Building trust requires consistently producing high-quality work, adhering to deadlines, participating in team meetings, and having meaningful conversations with colleagues about their personal and professional lives.

Engaging in regular conversations with your colleagues can provide insight into what leadership values most.

'Networking helps uncover opportunities'

To achieve your career goals, Gavin suggests increasing your professional network by joining a professional association and attending their events or conferences.

"Upskilling and obtaining certifications can make you a better fit for the role you want, while networking can help uncover opportunities, inside information, and introductions that can set you apart in today's competitive hiring environment," she says.

She advises updating your resume and LinkedIn to match your desired job.

By proactively updating your resume, you can reduce stress related to application deadlines and focus on making necessary adjustments. Additionally, reflecting your desired job on your LinkedIn profile increases visibility to recruiters searching for candidates for that specific role.

She says, "You won't be hired if they can't locate you."

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