How to Advance Your Career

Being on the fast track to that big promotion doesn’t have to be difficult if you make the right moves. Shutterstock

When starting your career in an entry-level job, you dream of advancing your career. The logical way to do this is through various promotions. Moving up the ladder may seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.

Being on the fast track to that big promotion doesn’t have to be difficult if you make the right moves. Learning how to position yourself to management will help. But it starts with a plan.

Know Your Career Goals

What does success look like to you? For many, it’s making it to the top floor. That’s where they’re running the company. For others, it’s a fulfilling career that allows them to spend time with family. Identify what you want.

Take the time to write your goals down on your phone or paper. Besides your goal, what is your timeline? Do you want to head the department in two years, or do you want to reach a specific sales goal? It’s one thing to have a goal, but know how long it will take you to achieve it.

Remember only to pursue goals you want to achieve. Are you enamored with the glamour of managing a department you can’t see will take time from your family? If family time is important, this goal may not be one you really want to achieve. Step back and evaluate the difference between a stated goal and what is important for you to achieve.

Besides a goal, establish a mission to correspond with it. Your career mission is a manifestation of your job description. Make sure you’re happy in your job and understand what it takes to do it.

By doing this, you'll combine technical competence and the ability to know what clients and management want. This will help you achieve your goals.

Self-Promote to Management

Make sure that management knows what a great job you are doing. You may think management will naturally see that, but it’s not always apparent to them. They recognize the troublemakers before they see the good employees.

Many employees think managers will automatically help their career advancement, but this rarely happens. They’re not mind readers and may not realize you want or deserve a promotion. The result is you’re overlooked.

When doing a great job or finishing a complex project, ensure your manager knows it. You can then ask for a reward. This could be a promotion.

Network Inside and Outside Company

People inside your industry are just one place to build a network. Yes, you want to belong to trade associations and other groups in your industry, but there is other networking you can do.

Look outside the industry. Is there an alumni association you can tap into? You can take continuing education classes or have friends introduce you to friends. Churches and clubs are also great for networking. Even the plumber could be a helpful contact.

Besides meeting new people, be sure to cultivate these relationships. When you make a connection, follow up with them periodically. You always want to be top of mind in case an opportunity arises.

If you see a past connection has a new job title, send them a congratulatory email or note. This sends an alert that you’re still around.

So, next time you make that connection on LinkedIn, remember to stay in touch with them.

Leave Comfort Zone

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Grow both personally and professionally. And even though you may be stepping into uncharted territory, remember that this is a learning experience you can take to the next step in your career.

Volunteer for Difficult Assignments

One way to stretch yourself is to volunteer for challenging assignments. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience another role.

This doesn’t always have to be with your employer. A nonprofit may need fundraising help or your former university may need help for a project. These activities look good on your resume and to your current employer.

Always Go for the Win-Win

Many people drive a hard bargain in business. Some like to go for the juggler and defeat their adversary. This can be a dangerous practice. You may have burned a bridge.

You never know what position or company that person will be in next. You may find yourself interviewing for a new position, and the manager is that person you negotiated with.

This isn’t saying don’t negotiate hard for your company, but ensure the win-win outcome. You may not have given everything away in the negotiation, but you let the other party feel good about doing business with you.

Build a Personal Brand

When making your way through advancement obstacles, it’s important to promote yourself. You need to develop your personal brand.

Your brand is what people say about you when you aren’t around. It’s important to polish your brand both in person and digitally. Always be aware of your brand.

Drive Career Advancement

It’s all right to be driven in your career. But step back and determine what the final destination is for you. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. And while stepping outside your zone, self-promote to the manager.

Think about who you are and what you want so you can build your personal brand.

The Epoch Times copyright © 2023. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.