Identify your long term career aspirations, set specific goals and achievable goals to guide your progression Take advantage of training programmes, workshops, and seminars to enhance your skills and knowledge Take on new challenges - volunteer for projects or tasks outside your daily responsibilities Smile - build relationships with peers, leaders, mentors Prioritise your well-being, maintain a healthy work life balance, always set boundaries

Once established the keep your options open. The department and Civil Service are vast, work is varied and options are unlimited. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge, experience and contacts.

I never thought I would get onto the TSP. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to attend the assessment centres, take part in all of the activities. I continue to do so with my day job - I don't like presenting, but I do lots of it. It builds confidence and resilience. Rationalise what's the worse that could happen by trying something new, or taking on a new challenge. For me, with the assessment centre, if I didn't get accepted - so be it. I got good experience of interviewing. Met new and interesting people, and got free food from attending the assessment centre (back when they were in person). Once I told myself these things, I pushed myself out my comfort zone to attend the day. I had worked hard to get the invite, so although I wasn't confident in going and being myself, that's what I had to do and it worked out well. Take the set backs as opportunities to reflect, develop and learn from. Keep pushing through set backs and pushing yourself out of your normal comfort zone to be able to achieve the goals you set for yourself.