I'm a career expert - here are four life hacks that WILL help you accomplish your professional goals (and the one very common mistake to avoid)

A career expert has revealed their four life hacks that will help people accomplish their goals - and the one common mistake to avoid.

Many people are aiming to take back control of their careers and dreaming of a successful year. 

The latest research from LinkedIn based on data from 1,001 white collar workers has revealed that 75 per cent of UK professionals are considering moving jobs this year, in search of a higher salary and better work-life balance. 

LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies said: 'As we're settling into the new year, people are looking to take back ownership of their careers. 

'However, not all career change means looking for a new job. Whilst a new role is the answer for some, others prefer to stay in a role and progress. 

Your New Year's Resolutions may already be going down the drain but January can still be your winning month. Here, MailOnline reveals a career expert's top tips to help your career thrive in 2024 (Stock image)

'Your career development starts with you and can be progressed with the support of your manager. 

'To advance in your job, proactively initiate a career-planning conversation with your boss and discuss your interest in growth opportunities and develop a longer-term plan to set you up for future success.'

Here, MailOnline reveals her top tips to help your career thrive in 2024...

1 Master the art of public speaking 

Public speaking can be one of the most daunting tasks for many professionals, but gaining the confidence and conviction can be a great hack to progress your career. 

So many potential areas can benefit from this, from presenting results and chairing meetings, to discussions with your manager. 

In particular, employees list interviews as the hardest part of the job search, and being able to confidently present yourself will help set you up for success.

It's a skill that gets better through practice and preparation. 

Volunteer for as many opportunities as possible and invest time in going over your notes, videotape yourself or ask a friend or colleague to critique your performance. 

Your future self will definitely thank you, even if your present self finds it challenging.

2 Take ownership of your career

Put yourself in the driving seat of your career. 

Plan ahead, think about your long-term goals, why you want to achieve them and how you're going to get there. 

For example, do you need to upskill in certain areas, is there a course or programme you should enroll in and how will that take?

LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies (pictured) has given her top tips for taking back control of your career

Write all this down. 

Without a longer term view, you may find yourself so focused on daily tasks that you lose sight of what it is you're working towards.

You can control the direction of your career by capitalising on learning opportunities and challenging yourself. 

Volunteer for new projects or take on extra responsibilities - it could be a chance to showcase leadership or management skills and showcase to your manager that you're ready to take on more responsibility.

If you're considering taking the leap and looking for a new role, keep an eye on LinkedIn's Job Collections - a new feature designed to help you find new opportunities that match your interests and skills, as well as inspiration for roles that you might not have considered otherwise.

3 Don't underestimate the power of your network

Every connection you make has the potential to impact your professional life positively, whether that's a job recommendation, an introduction or career advice so it's important to build and foster your professional relationships. 

Attend industry events, workplace mixers, look to make meaningful connections, engage with their posts on professional networks. 

If you're interested in a job, see if you're connected to anyone who might be able to make an introduction or give you recommendations on how to apply - this can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out, particularly in a tough job market.

4 Invest in your skills

When it comes to hiring, companies are increasingly looking at skills over traditional measures of success like degrees, so invest in your learning and development at every opportunity. 

Take a look at LinkedIn's annual Jobs on the Rise List - the fastest growing roles over the last five years - to see what the future of work holds and what skills are in demand. 

Often, hustle culture glorifies long hours and relentless dedication to work, with little regard for your personal life (Stock image)

Spoiler alert - AI and sustainability are up there!

However, soft skills such as communication, problem solving and critical thinking are also becoming more important as AI becomes more common within the workplace, and there are plenty of free resources out there to help you brush up on these skills, including LinkedIn Learning courses.

One thing to avoid: 'Hustle' culture

LinkedIn research based on data from 2,065 workers shows that work-life balance is a top priority for UK professionals, yet one in five believe it's harder to achieve now compared to 20 years ago.

This is, in part, down to 'hustle culture'.

Often, it glorifies long hours and relentless dedication to work, with little regard for your personal life. 

Even if you're a career oriented person, it's worth knowing when to prioritise work, and when to step back and relax for a bit.