Putting to good use the skills and knowledge acquired in school, for most graduates, is the ultimate reward for the all the years of hard work while in school. After graduation, the pressure of being engaged in a respectable job that guarantees ample pay is a legitimate aspiration for young people. In the same vein, survival and career progression are the major concerns of most graduates who are already engaged and are hustling hard to meet their daily needs.

So, your ability to turn your labour into a better pay-check will be your “human capital.” Intelligent combination of knowledge, experience, talent, work habit, and social skills is perhaps your most important income-producing asset.

If you are gunning for a promotion or a raise, or you are in the midst of a job search, these five simple steps can help you to become a happier and more valuable worker.

1. Invest in yourself

Just because you have a job doesn’t mean you should hold yourself back or let your skills stagnate. We can increase our human capital by acquiring a post-graduate degree or professional certification to enhance our résumé for a positive influence on pay.

Also, learning a new language can increase your earning power. It improves decision making skills, and increases earnings potential by around two percent, according to documented research.

2. Raise your performance level

Most employers base their pay decisions on individual performance. Don’t just turn up for work daily without being productive. Be dutiful and ensure that the tasks given to you are completed within the stipulated time frame. Performance has a significant impact on career progression and pay.

3. Take on additional responsibilities

If your boss asks that you volunteer for an impending task that is outside of your purview, take on the challenge. It could be a huge opportunity that will give you a chance to grow your knowledge base and skill set. You become a more valuable employee by readily taking on new responsibilities.

4. Join professional organisations and build a strong network

The key to networking and building business relationships in any industry is simply by making yourself available to network with people. This can be done by maintaining a professional relationship with persons in your industry, participating in industry forums, attending networking events, and even having a solid relationship with those outside your career purview, especially with personal friends.

5. Keep up to date with trends in your profession and industry

Whether you are an employee or a job seeker, it is very important to stay updated with developments and happenings going on in your industry. Newspapers, industry publications, news sites, TV shows, and blogs can all help you to become more acquainted with your industry. Doing this ensures that you are knowledgeable about industry happenings and you can become an authority on industry matters.