The Best Career Advice for Every Age - Men's Health

Like a fine red wine, your career only gets better with age, according to new research.

Researchers at the University of Haifa in Israel monitored the performance of 545 managers and found that those who carried out their work with the most passion, vigor, and competence fell between the ages of 50 and 59. Why are your 50s such a peak age for performance and work satisfaction? Because you can best draw from personal experience, researchers say.

Like a boss!

But don?t wait until you?re AARP-eligible to be the ideal employee. Make your move now by following these best business practices for any age. (And for more great advice from career experts, sign up for the FREE Men?s Health Best Life newsletter.)

In Your 20s: Watch and Learn
When you enter the job market fresh out of college, your main objective should be to learn as much as you can from whoever you can. Listen and observe constantly, and try to find a professional mentor to show you the ropes, says Paul Powers, Ph.D., a management psychologist and the author of Winning Job Interviews. Then, parlay your high energy into being the most trusted guy around the office, suggests Powers. That means taking other people?s extra work and logging late hours.

Meanwhile, set specific, measurable goals. Rather than saying, ?I want to work hard to get ahead,? say, ?I?m going to make director by 30.? It?s always better to work toward a legitimate milestone instead of a vague one, Powers says.

In Your 30s: Work Smarter
Once you begin to climb the corporate ladder, build your professional presence by expanding your social network: Put in face time with the boss, introduce yourself to new employees starting at the company, and continue to surround yourself with people you can learn from. ?Try to start mentoring future go-getters who may be able to help you later on down the road,? says Powers. And once you reach one career goal?congratulations, Mr. Director?start planning your next milestone, like making partner. (Ready to have the life you want? Follow these 7 Steps to Achieve Any Goal.)?

In Your 40s: Stay on Your Game
As the new hires working under you start looking younger and younger, keep updating your skill set, Powers advises. Step outside your comfort zone and stay in the loop with all the new tech: Are you strictly a PC guy? Study up on both Windows and Apple?s latest operating systems. Are you more of a posters-and-handouts guy when it comes to presentations? Show that you can also play a mean PowerPoint and Prezi. And remember, think strategically: Would a future CEO really gossip about the interns? Avoid all office drama and your path to the top will remain clear, says Powers.

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Source: http://news.menshealth.com/best-business-practices/2012/08/14/

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