Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly
Whether you are seeking to climb the corporate ladder within your industry or looking for a new position with another company, there are ways in which you can advance quickly with just a little effort. Becoming proactive in your goals lets you take the reins, and before you know it that coveted position can be yours. Here are 5 sure-fire ways to advance in your career.
1. Networking for Meaningful Connections
There are so many ways in which to network that surely you can find one in which to make the connections you are looking for. From social media to volunteering in a cause that is meaningful to you, there are ways to meet new connections who are able to help you advance within your career. These may be executives of companies within your industry or peers who know of open positions. Besides making an impact on your community, society today is oriented towards ‘doing good’, and your volunteer hours logged will surely impress your boss!
2. Ask for Increasingly Greater Responsibilities
A great percentage of the workforce seems to be on the job for the sole reason of collecting a paycheck. Take the initiative to ask for greater responsibilities that you have shown you can handle, and may even have done in the past. Bosses and team leaders learn to respect those who are willing to handle increased workloads, and will be more apt to promote you when the time comes to fill a position.
3. Ongoing Education and Certifications
Many positions require certain qualifications, and if you are in a field in which climbing the ladder means earning certifications or degrees, it is up to you to continue learning and growing. This is evident in industries like IT where each area of expertise requires certification or degree level coursework like you can find on commsupportnetworks.co.uk. Sometimes continued education is paid for by your employer and other times you will need to pay out-of-pocket but in either case, furthering your education enhances your opportunities for advancement.
4. Develop a Better Understanding of Your Company
One thing that really impresses the ‘powers that be’ is having a better understanding of the company you work for. Growing in your own position is expected of almost any worker, but those who take the initiative to learn more about the entire organization will be recognized as born leaders. If you ever hope to be in an executive position you will need to have a working knowledge of all departments and positions as well as about how the company operates. Demonstrating your knowledge of various departments and the organizational structure of the company is a must when looking to advance.
5. Giving Input that Shows You Care
Most companies periodically have team meetings in which you may be presented with the opportunity to offer valuable input. Showing that you understand certain issues and have a willingness to find effective solutions goes a very long way in advancing your career. However, there is a fine line between showing off and giving input, so be careful not to cross the line. You don’t want peers to develop hard feelings towards you, and even bosses steer clear of braggarts. Remember, you are trying to offer solutions for the team without drawing undue attention to yourself.
If you are looking to advance in your career, whether with the company you are now with or seeking a higher-level position elsewhere, these 5 sure-fire tips can start you on the right path. And for new college grads, check out this valuable resource:
Transitioning from College to Career: A Guide for New Grads
https://groomandstyle.com/
