Here are several proactive steps you can take to help move your career forward:

• Establish goals. Develop a list of realistic objectives you’d like to achieve during the next few months. This could range from taking on higher-priority projects to earning a promotion. Review your goals frequently and take action to realize them. 
  
  
• Seek new responsibilities. Offering to assume additional duties at work will provide valuable experience and, at the same time, demonstrate your willingness to help. Look at the company’s big-picture objectives as well as key initiatives your manager is working on to determine where your assistance might be most valuable. 
  
  
• Network. Networking isn’t just about finding jobs – it’s also an important resource that enables you to gain knowledge from others working in your industry. Consider joining industry associations, which may offer opportunities for you to refine your leadership and communication abilities as well as learn about new trends and developments.
  
  
• Be visible. Without boasting, take steps to ensure that others are aware of your accomplishments. Speak up during meetings and present suggestions for improving efficiencies. Keep a record of your current projects and ask your manager regularly for feedback on your efforts.

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.