Although we’ve all been dealing with same pandemic, everyone’s experience has been different. For me, 2020 offered an opportunity to get laser focused on my career trajectory and how to navigate networking in a virtual environment. To make that happen, I had to jump before I was ready, advocate for myself, and make genuine and meaningful connections. Here are some ideas for how and why you should consider doing those things too.

Jump Before You’re Ready

Have you ever told yourself you’d go for that position with more responsibility when you’re “ready”? Yeah, me too, and I would advise against it. In late 2019, there was an open advocacy position in my organization that on paper, I didn’t necessarily qualify for because all my association experience had been in membership.

Instead of telling myself all the reasons why I wasn’t qualified, I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the industry and the inner workings of associations. During my interview process, I highlighted my strengths as a leader and how my membership experience would benefit me in this role. In addition, I outlined a plan to accommodate the learning curve. It was the catalyst to my newfound confidence and clear career path. If I would’ve waited until I felt I was qualified, I would have missed out on all the opportunities 2020 and 2021 brought me professionally.

Once you’ve started connecting and moving around, you’ll realize the association industry is full of people who are eager to help you.

In your career, bet on yourself, take risks, and don’t be afraid of hearing “no.” In other words, jump before you’re ready. The worst that could happen is you don’t get what you set out to get. But no matter the outcome, you’ll gain so much on the journey: you’ll learn about yourself and determination, you’ll stretch and grow, and you’ll look at your skills and capabilities in a new light—which is key for the next point.

Advocate for Yourself

Being able to speak up for yourself is going to be your superpower once you’ve identified your strengths and professional goals. Because I no longer had a commute to work and had no social life in 2020, I was able to figure out exactly how I wanted to shape my career experiences. I first spent time seeing what my peers were doing by passively watching them on LinkedIn, then I researched different organizations and programs and mapped out what I could realistically accomplish. I decided that leadership development would be my focus, as well as better utilizing my ASAE membership and getting more involved by volunteering. I ultimately concluded that my next step should be to obtain ASAE’s Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. Now it was time to speak with my direct supervisor about it.

Thankfully, I work for an organization that supports professional development. I made sure to outline my why, costs, time commitment, and tie it into specific organizational goals and values. Doing this is especially important if your organization has a tight budget. This outline made it easier to circle back when it was time for a signature of approval or referral needed from my immediate supervisor or CEO. Tell your leaders why they should support and invest in you. After all, advocating for yourself will compel others to believe in you also.

Make Genuine and Meaningful Connections

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not about what you know but who you know,” and I’ve seen that manifest in my life many times. In the spirit of jumping before you’re ready and advocating for yourself, add reaching out to strangers to the list—you’d be surprised at how many people would love to help you get to where you want to be.

In the age of social media, people are more accessible and willing to engage, so use that to your advantage. My current peer circle is made up of people I reached out to via LinkedIn and email in 2020. And not only are we still connected, but our relationships have also blossomed beyond email and social media.

However, it’s important to make sure all your connections are intentional and as curated as possible. In other words, don’t go on an add spree just for numbers and be respectful of people’s time by being upfront about your reason for reaching out. Also, it’s important to be consistent in your follow up and not only reach out with an ask. When making new professional connections, be genuine by remembering personal details or sharing personal successes. Once you’ve started connecting and moving around, you’ll realize the association industry is full of people who are eager to help you.

While I consider myself to be at the beginning of my journey, I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking these three steps. More importantly, I wouldn’t have clarity and peace about my career path—the peace of knowing I’m where I’m supposed to be and that I’ll get to where I’m supposed to go.