By Cindy Stephens
Career success is a long-term, continuing process. Maintaining your skills for a successful career is up to you. You must decide that your career is important enough to manage and maintain focus on your future to ensure success.
Your position in the biomedical equipment technology and/or healthcare technology management (HTM) career field is very important in today’s fast-paced and very competitive health care market. Yet, we find that many are at a loss as to why they are not hired or promoted to a higher-level position.
Many employees and job seekers, at the technician and management levels, come to our firm for advice on how to be more successful in their career. They wish they could unlock the secret formula or combination of skills and values that will capture the attention of employers. Well, I don’t have any secret formula to share with you, but here are some tips that we believe will help you progress in your career or job search.
An important key element in career success is to be sure you are in a career you enjoy – one in which you believe in and one in which you feel you belong; a career that you are excited about working in and committed to. Exhibiting a high level of interest and energy to your employer or prospective employer is often a critical factor in getting chosen over others to receive a promotion or job offer.
To attain success in any career field, you must approach your job and daily responsibilities with enthusiasm, dedication and commitment. You should be prepared to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
The most important factor in career advancement is often how a boss views an employee. The ability to view yourself and your performance through the eyes of your boss is a critical part of career development and success. In your career, perception is reality – and it is critical that you are recognized as a valuable employee and person.
We know that every employer is looking for a specific set of technical skills from job-seekers and employees that match the skills necessary to perform a particular job. However, beyond the technical skills, certain characteristics or “soft” skills are also sought in new employees. The good news is that most employees and job seekers possess these soft skills to some extent, and weaknesses in these areas can be improved through professional and personal development.
Most accomplished people have several quality characteristics in common. I believe that successful people have excellent communication skills and they display sincere enthusiasm. Honestly, those who can get the job done efficiently, communicate effectively, and do it with energy and enthusiasm are considered to be the most valuable employees.
As a trained biomedical equipment technician and/or HTM professional, you have a solid, technical and professional background to support your career path. You have a lot to offer your employer by virtue of your education and experience.
There are many other equally important characteristics to consider and remember, too!
One of the keys to looking like you belong in a certain career is to dress the part. Dressing for success is all about making good – and lasting – impressions.
Always keep in mind that first impressions do count! In today’s fast-paced business world, impressions regarding your competence, intelligence and reliability are formed within minutes, even seconds, and are based on your professionalism, manners, attitude and appearance. Therefore, you want to project a professional image at all times, displaying confidence, competence and credibility!
Be recognized as a leader and take on more responsibilities. Be the expert in your field; be known as more than the “guy in the basement who fixes the equipment.”
Communication is very important – keep everyone informed of the status of repairs, work orders, etc. Make rounds in the hospital and be a promoter of your services. Remain professional, always. Follow up with your boss, supervisors, peers and department contacts.
Ensure you provide quality service to your customers and in everything you do. Demonstrate your desire to excel and the willingness to work hard. Be the solution to problems. Go above and beyond what is expected and be the best you can be. To do this, you must have a heartfelt commitment to your career, knowing that it is more than just a job. Be proud of what you do and do it well.
Your consistent, daily presence in every job is just as important as your first impressions in job interviews and during those first weeks on the job. Often, this is what makes a difference between you and other employees, the one thing that makes you stand above the rest.
Be a team player and at the same time, take the initiative to work independently to accomplish your responsibilities. Do not wait to be told or asked to do something.
Maintain a high degree of integrity. Be reliable and dependable. Be early for meetings and appointments. Be responsive and always return calls. Ensure all reports and documentation are completed in a timely manner, especially when it comes to safety, The Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements.
Always maintain a positive attitude. Don’t speak negatively about anything or anyone. Don’t be a know-it-all; don’t be overly talkative; and don’t burn bridges.
Invest in yourself with continuing education and certifications. Specialty training along with your experience will build your competence and your reputation! Keep abreast of technology by reading trade journals, magazines and manufacturer literature.
Ensure you are maintaining your technical skills and utilizing your “soft” skills to attain and maintain success in your career! You can be a tremendous success if you are willing to work at it. Your career success is up to you.