September has a different kind of energy. Summer is winding down, routines are returning, and people are getting serious about what they want to accomplish before the end of the year.

If you have been putting your career goals on the back burner, now is a good time to pick them back up.

You do not need to wait until January to make a career move. In fact, the final months of the year can be a great time to strengthen your position, build relationships, and prepare for the opportunities you want next.

Here are five things you can do now.

Take a Look at Where You Are

Before deciding where you want to go, take an honest look at where you are today.

Are you happy in your current role? Are you learning? Are you being given opportunities to grow? Are you earning what your experience and contributions are worth?

If you are looking for a new job, ask yourself a different set of questions. Is your resume telling the right story? Are you applying for roles that actually match your experience? Are you relying too heavily on online applications instead of building relationships?

Career growth starts with knowing what needs to change.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Your resume should not be something you update only when you need a job.

Take some time this month to add your recent accomplishments, new skills, projects, certifications, and measurable results. Remove outdated information that no longer supports the direction you want to take.

Do the same with LinkedIn. Your headline and About section should make it clear what you do, what you bring to an organization, and where you are headed professionally.

Think of your resume and LinkedIn profile as your career marketing materials. They should reflect the professional you are today, not the person you were several years ago.

Start Having Better Career Conversations

One conversation can change the direction of your career.

If you want to advance where you are, talk with your manager about your goals. Ask what skills or experiences you would need to move into the next level. If you are searching for a new opportunity, talk with people working in the roles or industries you are considering.

Do not make every conversation an ask for a job.

Instead, be curious. Ask people how they got where they are, what skills matter in their field, and what they would recommend someone learn next.

You never know which conversation could lead to your next opportunity.

Strengthen a Skill Employers Actually Need

There is a difference between learning something because it sounds interesting and developing a skill that can change your career prospects.

Look at the roles you want and identify the skills employers are asking for. Then find a way to build one or two of them before the year ends.

That might mean improving your presentation skills, learning how to use AI tools, strengthening your data skills, earning a certification, or developing your leadership abilities.

You do not need to master everything at once. Choose skills that connect directly to where you want your career to go.

Make the Next Few Months Count

You still have time to make meaningful progress this year.

Maybe you will apply for a promotion. Maybe you will finally update your resume. Maybe you will make five new professional connections. Maybe you will start developing a skill that has been missing from your toolbox.

The goal is not to accomplish everything before December 31.

The goal is to finish the year further ahead than where you started.

At Nexford University, Career Success is designed to help learners connect what they are learning to where they want to go next. Whether you are looking for your first professional role, changing careers, or working toward your next promotion, the most important step is taking action.

Do not wait for a new year to make a career move.

September is a great time to start.