Written by Carl Freelove, Marketing Manager, Big fish Recruitment

With the festive period upon us once again and only weeks until the start of a brand new year, it could not be a better time to start planning and achieving your career goals before the rush of the New Year.

The Christmas holiday and wind down period often sparks thoughts of resolution, reflection, and renaissance. It’s when you will start to think about where you are and where you want to go. And it is when you have the perfect mindset to put a plan in place to take your marketing, PR, creative or digital career to the next level.

So if you get a head start on your career resolutions now, 2009 will be the year to reach your full potential and finally take charge of your career

Here are our top tips to help you realize your professional objectives and take control of your career in 2009:

1. Explore career options
   As the year winds down, reflect on your job by asking yourself these questions: Does my current position utilize my professional abilities and talents? Am I maximising my earning potential? Am I doing what I'm passionate about? If the answer is an overwhelming "no," assess your work style and personal characteristics and discover a career field that highlights them.
   
   
2. Set realistic career goals
   Identify what you want to accomplish professionally in 2009 and write them down in order of priority. Your goals may include improving current work performance, being promoted or even making a complete career switch. Just make sure each goal is specific and attainable.
   
   
3. Establish a plan of action
   Think of the required steps you need to take to get your 2009 career goals underway, and put them down on paper. Give yourself deadlines to follow, but keep them realistic.
   
   
4. Start preparing now
   What are you waiting for? The downtime of the Christmas holidays will be a perfect time to get a head start on your career goals. Make a list of career challenges to conquer this month and celebrate your achievements along the way. The small steps in December will lead to big accomplishments in the New Year.
   
   
5. Do the job above your current position
   Perhaps offer to take on some of the responsibilities in the position just above you. Becoming familiar with that role could make you an obvious choice for future promotion in 2009.
   
   
6. Get organised
   Take time in the slow Christmas holiday weeks to rearrange your files so they are more organised and efficient.
   
   
7. Finally...follow through on actions
   Taking control of your career in 2009 will not happen unless you follow through. Visualize your success regularly and don't be afraid to ask for help when necessary. More importantly, pursue your goals aggressively and resolve not to give up on reaching them – which can be a common failure for career resolutions!

All that remains for me to say is that on behalf of all of the Big fish team, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – and good luck with your career objectives for 2009!

Best wishes 

Carl Freelove
Marketing Manger
Big fish Recruitment