5 things to do for your career instead of filing your taxes

Firstly, a disclaimer: I’m not encouraging you to commit tax fraud or evasion.

Obviously, you’re going to file your tax returns eventually. However, sometimes, when you have something big you need to do (like filing your tax returns), you want to do anything but that specific task.  

 So, if you’re feeling a little bit like this cat, here are 5 simple things you can do for your career whilst you’re pro-tax-inating (yes, that’s a bad pun – and no, I’m not sorry).

1. Review your resume

Let’s be honest; you’ve probably heard this advice before. Your resume is one of the most important parts of applying for a job. It is one of the first things a potential employer will look at when considering hiring you.

Even if you have updated your resume recently, it’s worth going back through and ensuring everything you include is up-to-date, engaging, and relevant to your career. Ask yourself what you want employers to take away from your resume, and then edit it accordingly. We have tons of resources on crafting a stand-out resume on our blog you can check out to get started. 

If you’re a current UTS student, you also have access to Rate My Resume, which gives you instant advice on things you could improve.

2. See what’s out there.

The workforce is constantly changing, so it’s important to know what’s out there, even if you’re not actively looking for your next step. You can use the UTS Career Directory to see different pathways and employers and discover what career options you have at your fingertips.

Also, if you are feeling unsure about what you’re studying, check out this blog post on how to pivot your career direction mid-degree.

3. Connect, connect, connect

Look, if you’re anything like me, your LinkedIn account has been sitting around collecting cobwebs and dust ever since you set it up. I’m not saying LinkedIn is the be-all and end-all of your career, but it does help to get some connections. Leverage your experience and stay in touch with peers and colleagues to maintain those relationships in your career. You never know when you might need someone’s expertise.

If you want to grow your connections, a great way to find other like-minded people is by joining a student club at UTS. ActivateUTS has over 130 clubs and societies where you can meet and connect with other students, so have a browse and see if there are any that you might want to join.

4. Sign up for the Professional Mentoring Platform

Getting first-hand insight and advice from people already working in your chosen industry can be incredibly helpful to your career. The Professional Mentoring Platform is a university-wide online platform where you can connect with UTS alumni and industry professionals. Mentors can help you figure out where you want to go, what you want to do, and how you can get there.

Signing up is quick and easy, and choosing when to start and end a mentorship is entirely up to you.

5. Be SMART and set some career goals.

Where do you want to be in five years? What do you want to do? These are big questions, but setting some SMART goals can help. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. By breaking down big ideas into bite-sized pieces, you can feel motivated in the short term and satisfied as you reach your goals.

Now, I urge you to take these tips on board to go forth and build your career. Or, you could go do your taxes. It’s entirely up to you. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash