Looking to shine in your career in 2026? In this episode, Dr. Nonterah shares 25 CAREER STRATEGIES that could change EVERYTHING for you this year. Focus on 1-3 of these to level up your career this year.
I elaborate on a lot of the ideas in my most recent book Navigating the P.I.V.O.T.: https://theboldphd.com/navigate/
Here are all the ideas:
1 - Study the job description.
2 - All you’ve done is not all you can do.
3- Separate your identity from your job.
4 - Practice concise and clear communication.
5 - Understand the impact your work creates. It's easy to get lost in the weeds.
6 - Create optionality so no single job has power over you.
7 - Build career-building relationships before you need them.
8 - Treat LinkedIn like a long-term career asset, not just a job board.
9 - Build a portfolio for the career you want. It's undeniable proof.
10 - Don’t optimize for titles. Optimize for the skills and knowledge that will carry you to the next phase.
11 - Practice how to explain your work to people outside your field.
12 - Practice communicating the problems you solve, not just your research or the methods you used.
13 - Learn to negotiate everything, not just salary. There’s always more.
14 - Design a career that works with your life, not against it.
15 - It’s hard, but treat rejection as data, not a verdict on your ability.
16 - Don’t assume or expect people to understand the value you bring to their organization. Spell it out.
17 - Document your thinking on how you solve problems. Not just your achievements.
18 - Speaking of achievements, keep and update a “brag document” with your achievements—big or small—monthly. They can be shockingly easy to forget!
19 - Say yes to rooms where you might feel under-qualified. Watch and learn everything in those rooms.
20 - Choose work environments that pour back into you and build your confidence.
21 - Ask for the informational interview.
22 - Make at least 1–2 connections with recruiters or senior people within your field each week. Nurture those connections.
23 - Invest in ONE skill this year that’s new to you.
24 - Publish your ideas. LinkedIn. A podcast. Instagram. Substack. There are many platforms. Pick ONE and publish ONE idea weekly.
25 - Never leave an interview without asking this question: “What’s the number 1 thing you expect the person who fills this role to be able to accomplish in their first 90 days?”
Ireland