Project Coordinator Career Guide: Your Complete Path to Success

Project coordinators are the unsung heroes of successful project delivery, serving as the essential link between project teams, stakeholders, and organizational objectives. As businesses increasingly rely on project-based work to drive growth and innovation, the demand for skilled project coordinators continues to rise across virtually every industry. Whether you’re considering a career transition or just starting your professional journey, understanding the project coordinator career path can open doors to a rewarding and dynamic profession.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a project coordinator, from the core responsibilities and required skills to career progression opportunities and work-life balance considerations. You’ll discover the tools that can make you more effective, learn how to position yourself for advancement, and understand how to present your qualifications to potential employers.

What Does a Project Coordinator Do?

Project coordinators play a pivotal role in the successful execution of projects by ensuring that all moving parts are synchronized and project milestones are met. They act as the linchpin between project teams and stakeholders, handling administrative tasks, facilitating communication, and maintaining project documentation to support the project manager and team. Their role is essential in maintaining project organization and momentum, often adapting to dynamic project environments to keep teams on track and projects within scope and budget.

Core Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of a project coordinator encompass a wide range of activities that keep projects running smoothly. These professionals assist in developing and tracking detailed project plans, schedules, work hours, budgets, and expenditures. They organize, attend, and participate in stakeholder meetings, ensuring that project teams are aware of their deliverables and deadlines. Documentation and follow-up on important actions and decisions from meetings is another crucial aspect, as they distribute minutes to all project team members to maintain transparency and accountability.

Project coordinators also prepare necessary presentation materials for meetings and provide updates to stakeholders about project status and potential issues. They maintain and update project documentation, plans, and reports, ensuring all necessary materials are current, properly filed, and stored. Additionally, they assist with the procurement of resources and materials as needed, ensuring alignment with project requirements.

Communication and Team Coordination

One of the most critical aspects of the project coordinator role involves coordinating the efforts of cross-functional project teams and maintaining communication to facilitate the completion of project tasks. They serve as the primary point of contact for project team members and stakeholders, providing information and answering questions related to the project. This communication role extends to identifying potential project risks and issues, then reporting them to the project manager and stakeholders in a timely manner.

Project coordinators also ensure compliance with company standards, project contracts, and relevant legal regulations. They facilitate the smooth execution of project-related administrative processes, such as issuing work orders, creating purchase orders, and invoicing. The ability to manage these varied responsibilities while maintaining clear communication channels is what makes project coordinators indispensable to project success.

Career Level Variations

The specific responsibilities of a project coordinator can differ significantly based on their level of experience within an organization. Entry-level coordinators typically focus on administrative support and task management, including assisting with project documentation, tracking timelines and budgets, coordinating meetings, and learning project management software and tools. As they gain experience, mid-level coordinators take on more responsibility by managing project sub-components independently, coordinating cross-functional teams, resolving issues and conflicts, and contributing to project planning discussions. Senior project coordinators handle complex projects or multiple project phases, lead planning sessions, interface with senior management, and mentor junior staff while identifying opportunities for process improvement.

How to Become a Project Coordinator

Embarking on a career as a project coordinator requires a strategic approach that combines education, skill development, and practical experience. This role serves as an excellent entry point into project management and offers a clear pathway for career advancement. The journey to becoming a project coordinator involves building a foundation of project management knowledge while developing the organizational and communication skills essential for success in this dynamic field.

Educational Background and Qualifications

While specific educational requirements for project coordinators can vary by industry and employer, a bachelor’s degree is often preferred. Degrees in business administration, project management, communications, or related fields provide a solid foundation in organizational and leadership principles. However, some employers may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of a formal degree, making this career accessible to professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Pursuing certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Additionally, courses in communication, time management, budgeting, and specific project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum can further strengthen your candidacy for project coordinator positions.

Building Essential Experience

Gaining practical experience is vital for aspiring project coordinators. Entry-level positions in administrative support, team assistance, or project-related roles can provide valuable exposure to project management processes and tools. Volunteering to assist with project tasks or taking on small project responsibilities within your current role can help you build hands-on experience and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.

Understanding the fundamentals of project planning, resource allocation, and risk management through real-world application is invaluable for career development. Many successful project coordinators start in related roles such as administrative assistants, team coordinators, or department assistants, gradually taking on more project-related responsibilities as they prove their competence and reliability.

Alternative Pathways to Success

For those without traditional educational backgrounds or career changers, several alternative pathways can lead to project coordinator roles. Professionals with industry-specific experience can leverage their sector knowledge to transition into project coordination within the same field. Their deep understanding of industry challenges and processes can be a significant asset when combined with newly acquired project management skills.

Freelancers who manage multiple client projects simultaneously often develop many of the same skills required for project coordination, including time management, client communication, and resource allocation. These individuals can transition by highlighting their ability to manage projects end-to-end and work with diverse teams. Additionally, those starting from administrative support roles can gradually shift their career focus by taking on additional project-related responsibilities and building a portfolio of relevant experience.

Project Coordinator Skills

Success as a project coordinator requires a diverse and well-balanced skill set that combines technical project management knowledge with strong interpersonal abilities. These professionals must excel in both the analytical aspects of project planning and the human elements of team collaboration. The most effective project coordinators continuously develop their capabilities across multiple domains, adapting to the evolving demands of modern project management environments.

Core Technical Skills

Project coordinators need a solid foundation in project management methodologies and tools. Essential technical competencies include project scheduling and timeline management, risk management and mitigation planning, resource allocation and management, and quality control techniques. Proficiency in cost estimation and budget management is also crucial, as is understanding contract management and procurement processes.

Modern project coordinators must be comfortable with project management software such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or JIRA. Documentation and reporting skills are fundamental to the role, as is the ability to map and improve business processes. These technical skills provide the framework for effective project coordination and enable coordinators to track progress, identify issues, and maintain project momentum.

Essential Soft Skills

While technical skills provide the foundation, soft skills often determine a project coordinator’s success in managing teams and stakeholders. Effective communication stands as the most critical soft skill, enabling coordinators to convey complex information clearly and facilitate collaboration among diverse team members. Leadership and team management abilities help coordinators guide teams toward common goals, even when they don’t have formal authority over team members.

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills enable coordinators to navigate challenges and find creative solutions to project obstacles. Adaptability and flexibility are essential in today’s dynamic work environments, where project requirements can change rapidly. Time management and prioritization abilities help coordinators juggle multiple responsibilities and ensure that critical tasks receive appropriate attention. Additionally, conflict resolution and negotiation skills help maintain team harmony and stakeholder relationships throughout project execution.

Emerging Skills for 2024 and Beyond

As the project management landscape continues to evolve, certain skills are becoming increasingly important for project coordinators. Cultural competency and global mindset capabilities are crucial as businesses operate on an international scale, requiring coordinators to work effectively across diverse teams and time zones. Digital literacy and proficiency with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools and automation platforms, can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Data analysis and reporting capabilities are also growing in importance, as organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision making. Project coordinators who can analyze project metrics, identify trends, and present insights to stakeholders will have a significant advantage in their careers. Finally, change management and agile thinking skills are essential as organizations adapt to rapidly changing market conditions and customer needs.

Project Coordinator Tools & Software

The modern project coordinator’s toolkit encompasses a diverse array of software applications and platforms designed to streamline project management processes, enhance collaboration, and improve overall efficiency. These tools serve as force multipliers, enabling coordinators to manage complex projects with greater precision and effectiveness. Understanding and mastering the right combination of tools can significantly impact a coordinator’s ability to deliver successful project outcomes.

Project Management Platforms

Core project management platforms form the backbone of most project coordination activities. Monday.com offers versatile project management capabilities with customizable workflows and visual project tracking that can accommodate various project types and team sizes. Smartsheet combines project management functionality with spreadsheet-like features, making it ideal for teams comfortable with familiar interfaces while providing enterprise-ready collaboration and reporting capabilities.

Wrike provides a robust solution suitable for teams of all sizes, with comprehensive features for planning, streamlining, and reporting on project activities. These platforms typically include features for task management, timeline creation, resource allocation, and progress tracking, making them essential tools for effective project coordination.

Specialized Coordination Tools

Beyond general project management platforms, project coordinators often rely on specialized tools for specific aspects of their work. Resource management tools like Float, Resource Guru, and Teamdeck help optimize team capacity and visualize project timelines. Float specializes in scheduling teams and managing resource availability, while Resource Guru offers a clear view of resource availability and easy team schedule management. Teamdeck provides integrated resource scheduling, time tracking, and leave management capabilities.

Communication and collaboration tools are equally important for maintaining team connectivity. Slack facilitates messaging and integrates with numerous work tools, while Microsoft Teams combines chat, video meetings, and file collaboration within the Office 365 ecosystem. Zoom has become indispensable for video conferencing and real-time team communication, particularly for remote and hybrid teams.

Learning and Mastery Strategies

To effectively learn and master project coordination tools, professionals should adopt a hands-on approach that emphasizes practical application. Start by establishing a comprehensive understanding of project coordination fundamentals before diving into specific tools. This knowledge serves as a compass for selecting and utilizing tools that align with project goals and methodologies.

Take advantage of free trials and basic versions to gain direct experience with different platforms. Set up small-scale projects or use tools for personal projects to simulate real-world scenarios. Participate in user communities and support networks to learn from experienced users and stay informed about updates and best practices. Additionally, utilize official tutorials, documentation, and training resources provided by tool developers, and consider pursuing specialized certifications for critical tools to demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional growth.

Project Coordinator Job Titles & Career Progression

The project coordination field offers a clear and structured career progression path with diverse opportunities for advancement. Understanding the various job titles and their associated responsibilities helps professionals navigate their career development and set realistic goals for advancement. From entry-level positions to executive leadership roles, each level brings increased responsibility, complexity, and strategic influence within organizations.

Entry-Level Positions

Entry-level project coordinator positions provide the foundation for building a successful career in project management. Project Assistants handle administrative tasks, schedule meetings, and maintain project documentation while learning the project lifecycle. Junior Project Coordinators oversee smaller project components under experienced guidance, developing skills in timeline management, resource coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Project Management Office (PMO) Analysts work within established PMOs to improve project delivery consistency and efficiency, analyzing project data and helping maintain standards. Project Support Officers provide essential backup to project teams, tracking progress and assisting with risk management. Project Management Internships offer immersive experiences that provide broad exposure to project management methodologies and real-world challenges.

Mid-Level Career Advancement

Mid-level positions represent a significant step toward greater autonomy and strategic responsibility. Project Managers serve as the backbone of project teams, responsible for complete project planning, execution, and closing while managing team dynamics and stakeholder relationships. Project Analysts provide crucial analytical support for complex projects, gathering data and developing insights for informed decision-making.

Project Leads take on supervisory roles, guiding daily operations and addressing issues while setting milestones and ensuring adherence to project plans. Project Schedulers specialize in creating and maintaining detailed project schedules, working closely with project managers to ensure realistic timelines. Project Consultants bring expertise to various projects, analyzing processes and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Senior-Level Leadership Roles

Senior project coordinator positions involve strategic leadership and complex project oversight. Senior Project Coordinators manage substantial projects or multiple initiatives, providing leadership and strategic direction throughout project lifecycles. Project Lead Coordinators take charge of significant project sections, offering guidance and support while managing resource allocation and risk mitigation.

Program Coordinators oversee portfolios of related projects aligned with organizational strategic goals, managing interdependencies and ensuring alignment with broader objectives. Project Planning and Control Leads focus on detailed planning, execution monitoring, and implementing control measures to keep projects on track. Project Portfolio Coordinators manage collections of projects to maximize return on investment and ensure strategic alignment.

Executive and Director Positions

At the executive level, professionals oversee organizational project management practices and strategic alignment. Directors of Project Management lead PMOs, define standards, and ensure projects align with organizational strategy. Directors of Program Management coordinate multiple related projects to achieve broader business objectives, managing resources efficiently across program components.

VP-level positions represent the pinnacle of project coordination careers, with roles like VP of Project Management leading organization-wide project initiatives, VP of Strategic Projects overseeing high-impact initiatives critical to company success, and VP of Project Portfolio Management managing entire portfolios while ensuring strategic alignment and maximum value delivery.

Project Coordinator Salary & Work-Life Balance

Understanding the compensation landscape and work-life balance considerations is crucial for anyone pursuing a project coordinator career path. These factors significantly impact career satisfaction and long-term success in the field. Project coordinators generally enjoy competitive compensation packages that reflect their critical role in organizational success, while work-life balance varies depending on industry, company culture, and individual time management skills.

Salary Expectations and Factors

Project coordinator salaries vary significantly based on experience level, geographic location, industry, and company size. Entry-level positions typically offer competitive starting salaries that reflect the specialized nature of the role, while experienced coordinators can command substantially higher compensation packages. Geographic location plays a major role in salary determination, with major metropolitan areas and technology hubs generally offering higher compensation to offset increased living costs.

Industry specialization also impacts earning potential, with sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and construction often offering premium compensation for project coordination expertise. Companies increasingly recognize the value that skilled project coordinators bring to organizational success, leading to improved compensation packages and benefits offerings across the field.

Work Environment and Conditions

Project coordinators typically work in collaborative environments where teamwork and communication are paramount. The setting may vary from open-plan offices that encourage interaction to traditional layouts that allow for focused planning and organization. With the rise of remote work, many coordinators now have flexibility to operate from various locations, using digital tools to stay connected with their teams.

The role generally involves full-time work with potential for overtime during critical project phases or when approaching deadlines. Project coordinators spend significant time using project management software, spreadsheets, and organizational tools. The position demands adaptability as priorities can shift quickly due to project changes or unforeseen issues, but it also offers the satisfaction of seeing projects through from inception to completion.

Achieving Work-Life Balance

Maintaining work-life balance as a project coordinator requires strategic planning and boundary management. Establishing realistic work hours and communicating availability to teams and stakeholders helps create predictable routines. Mastering task prioritization using techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix enables coordinators to focus on truly important activities while avoiding overwhelm from less critical tasks.

Learning to say “no” diplomatically to requests that would overload schedules is a crucial skill for maintaining balance. Leveraging project management tools and automation can streamline processes and reduce time spent on manual coordination tasks. Regular workload reviews and open dialogue with management about capacity help prevent burnout and maintain sustainable work practices. Finally, making time for regular breaks, personal interests, and relationships outside of work is essential for long-term career success and personal well-being.

Project Coordinator Professional Development Goals

Setting strategic professional development goals is essential for project coordinators who want to advance their careers and maximize their impact within organizations. These goals should span multiple dimensions of professional growth, from technical skill enhancement to leadership development and industry expertise expansion. A well-rounded approach to goal setting ensures that coordinators can adapt to evolving industry demands while building the foundation for long-term career success.

Technical Proficiency Goals

Project coordinators should prioritize goals that enhance their mastery of project management tools and methodologies. This includes becoming proficient in advanced features of project management software, obtaining industry-recognized certifications like PMP or PRINCE2, and developing expertise in specific methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Lean. Understanding data analysis and reporting capabilities can significantly enhance a coordinator’s value to their organization, as can developing risk management and mitigation strategies.

Goals in this area might include implementing new project tracking systems, reducing project delivery times through process improvements, or achieving specific certification milestones. Technical proficiency goals should align with both current role requirements and future career aspirations, ensuring that skill development supports long-term advancement objectives.

Leadership and Communication Development

As project coordinators advance in their careers, leadership and communication skills become increasingly important. Goals in this area should focus on developing abilities to influence without authority, enhance stakeholder engagement capabilities, and improve conflict resolution skills. Building expertise in cross-cultural communication and remote team management has become particularly valuable in today’s globalized work environment.

Specific goals might include leading a high-visibility project initiative, improving team satisfaction scores through enhanced communication practices, or developing mentoring relationships with junior team members. Communication goals should also address both written and verbal communication skills, including presentation abilities and the capacity to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences.

Strategic Planning and Business Acumen

Developing strategic thinking and business understanding is crucial for project coordinators who aspire to senior leadership roles. Goals in this area include understanding how projects align with organizational objectives, developing financial management skills, and learning to assess project portfolio performance. Building industry-specific expertise and staying current with emerging trends and technologies can significantly enhance career prospects.

Strategic goals might involve contributing to organizational strategic planning processes, identifying opportunities for process improvement that deliver measurable business value, or developing expertise in change management and organizational transformation. These goals help coordinators transition from tactical execution to strategic leadership roles as their careers progress.

Project Coordinator LinkedIn Profile Tips

Creating a compelling LinkedIn profile is essential for project coordinators who want to showcase their organizational expertise and attract career opportunities. Your profile should effectively communicate your ability to manage complex projects, coordinate diverse teams, and drive results in dynamic environments. A well-crafted LinkedIn presence can significantly enhance your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers while establishing your professional brand in the project management community.

Crafting an Effective Headline and Summary

Your LinkedIn headline should immediately convey your project coordination expertise while incorporating relevant industry keywords. Consider including specific methodologies you’re skilled in, certifications you hold, or industries where you specialize. Examples might include “PMP-Certified Project Coordinator | Agile Methodology Expert | Leading Cross-Functional Teams in IT Infrastructure” or “Project Coordinator | Streamlining Operations & Enhancing Collaboration | Agile Advocate.”

The summary section should tell your professional story while emphasizing your coordination superpowers. Focus on your core competencies such as process streamlining, risk mitigation, or timeline management, and explain how these contribute to project success. Include specific examples of past achievements with quantifiable results when possible, such as projects delivered ahead of schedule or cost savings achieved through efficient resource management.

Showcasing Experience and Achievements

In the experience section, go beyond basic job descriptions to elaborate on the types of projects you’ve coordinated and the impact you’ve made. Use bullet points to quantify achievements such as budget savings accomplished, process improvements implemented, or the number of projects successfully delivered. Highlight your role in overcoming challenges, meeting tight deadlines, and managing diverse stakeholder groups.

Focus on demonstrating your progression from entry-level responsibilities to more complex project coordination roles. Show how you’ve evolved from handling administrative tasks to managing cross-functional teams and contributing to strategic planning. This progression narrative helps recruiters understand your growth trajectory and potential for future advancement.

Building Credibility Through Recommendations and Skills

Seek recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders who can speak to your coordination abilities and collaborative nature. These testimonials should highlight specific examples of your impact on project success and your ability to manage complex situations effectively. In the accomplishments section, include relevant certifications, awards, and any speaking engagements or publications related to project management.

Regularly update your skills section to reflect both technical capabilities and soft skills crucial for project coordination. Technical skills might include specific software proficiency, risk management, and budget management, while soft skills should encompass communication, leadership, and adaptability. Seek endorsements from your network to validate these skills and demonstrate their real-world application.

Project Coordinator Certifications

Professional certifications play a crucial role in establishing credibility and demonstrating commitment to excellence in project coordination. These credentials validate your project management knowledge, enhance your marketability, and can significantly boost your career prospects. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance to senior positions, the right certifications can set you apart from other candidates and provide structured learning that directly applies to your daily responsibilities.

Popular Certification Options

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) serves as an excellent entry point for new project coordinators, providing foundational knowledge of project management principles and practices. The Project Management Professional (PMP) credential represents the gold standard in project management certification, though it requires significant experience hours. For those working in Agile environments, Scrum Master certifications and other Agile-focused credentials can be particularly valuable.

Industry-specific certifications may also be beneficial depending on your sector. Construction project coordinators might pursue certifications in building codes and safety regulations, while IT coordinators could benefit from ITIL or software development lifecycle certifications. The key is selecting certifications that align with your career goals and the specific demands of your industry.

Preparation and Strategic Value

Preparing for certification requires a structured approach that combines study materials, practical application, and often formal training. Many professionals find value in combining online courses, study groups, and hands-on project experience to reinforce their learning. The certification process itself provides valuable professional development, even beyond the credential earned.

Certifications demonstrate to employers your commitment to professional growth and mastery of industry best practices. They can lead to increased job responsibilities, promotion opportunities, and higher salary potential. Additionally, many certification programs provide access to professional communities and continuing education resources that support ongoing career development.

For a comprehensive guide to specific certifications, requirements, and preparation strategies, visit our detailed Project Coordinator Certifications guide.

Project Coordinator Interview Prep

Successfully navigating project coordinator interviews requires thorough preparation that demonstrates your organizational skills, communication abilities, and project management knowledge. Interview questions for this role typically cover behavioral scenarios, technical competencies, and situational challenges that assess your readiness to coordinate complex projects effectively. Understanding the types of questions you’ll face and preparing strong responses can significantly improve your chances of landing your desired position.

Common Interview Question Categories

Project coordinator interviews typically include behavioral questions that explore how you’ve handled past situations, such as managing tight deadlines, resolving team conflicts, or adapting to scope changes. Technical questions assess your familiarity with project management methodologies, tools, and best practices. Scenario-based questions present hypothetical situations to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and practical application of project coordination principles.

Communication and interpersonal skills questions are particularly important, as these abilities are crucial for effective coordination. Expect questions about how you facilitate team communication, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure project alignment across diverse groups. Organizational and time management questions explore your methods for staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Preparation Strategies

Effective interview preparation involves researching the company’s projects and culture, reviewing project management fundamentals, and preparing specific examples that demonstrate your competencies. Develop clear, concise responses that follow the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities. Practice articulating how you’ve contributed to project success, overcome challenges, and collaborated effectively with diverse teams.

Prepare thoughtful questions about the organization’s project management processes, team dynamics, and success metrics. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess whether the position aligns with your career goals. Consider conducting mock interviews with mentors or peers to refine your responses and build confidence for the actual interview experience.

For detailed interview questions, example responses, and additional preparation tips, explore our comprehensive Project Coordinator Interview Questions guide.

Related Career Paths

The skills developed as a project coordinator create excellent foundations for advancement into various related career paths. Project coordination experience provides valuable exposure to multiple business functions, team dynamics, and organizational processes that translate well to other professional roles. Understanding these career progression options helps coordinators make strategic decisions about their professional development and identify opportunities that align with their interests and strengths.

Project Management Advancement

The most natural progression from project coordinator roles leads to project management positions with increased responsibility and authority. Project managers take on greater ownership of project outcomes, including budget management, strategic planning, and team leadership. Program managers oversee multiple related projects, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives and managing complex interdependencies between initiatives.

Senior project management roles such as project directors or portfolio managers involve strategic oversight of entire project portfolios, requiring advanced skills in resource allocation, stakeholder management, and organizational alignment. These positions often involve mentoring other project professionals and contributing to organizational project management methodology development.

Operations and Process Management

Project coordinators’ experience with process optimization and operational efficiency makes them strong candidates for operations management roles. Operations managers focus on improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness, applying project coordination skills to streamline business processes and enhance productivity. Supply chain management positions leverage coordinators’ experience with resource allocation and vendor management.

Quality assurance management roles build on coordinators’ attention to detail and process adherence experience. These positions involve developing and implementing quality control processes, managing compliance requirements, and ensuring consistent delivery standards across organizational functions.

Specialized Coordination Roles

Many coordinators choose to specialize in specific types of coordination that align with their interests or industry expertise. Event coordinators apply project management principles to planning and executing events, conferences, and special initiatives. Marketing coordinators focus on campaign management and promotional project coordination.

Business analysis roles leverage coordinators’ experience with process documentation, stakeholder communication, and requirements gathering. These positions involve analyzing business processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and facilitating organizational change initiatives. Change management specialists help organizations navigate transitions and transformations, applying project coordination skills to manage complex organizational changes.

Ready to take the next step in your project coordinator career path? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance to the next level, having a polished, professional resume is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market. Teal’s free resume builder helps you create compelling resumes that highlight your project coordination skills, experience, and achievements in a format that resonates with hiring managers. Start building your standout project coordinator resume today and position yourself for career success.