Career growth is a universal aspiration. It’s the motivator that drives us to rise and shine each morning, ready to take on the challenges of the day. But how do we get there? How do we ensure that our efforts yield the desired outcomes? The secret lies in forming effective
career advancement strategies.
Career advancement refers to the progression in your professional journey. It’s the upward mobility in your career, characterized by enhanced job titles, increased responsibilities, broadened skill sets, and often, better remuneration/compensation. It represents the evolution of your professional self, a testament to your hard work, dedication, and expertise.
Career advancement is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It's unique for everyone, shaped by individual career goals and aspirations, but it is almost a universal desire as shown 94% of employees indicate they would stay with a company longer if the company invested in their career development (Linkedin 2022). For some, it might mean climbing the corporate ladder to reach a senior management position. For others, it could denote gaining expertise in a specific field, or transitioning into a completely different career path.
Career advancement is more than just a personal milestone. It has far-reaching implications on job satisfaction, employee motivation, and overall professional growth.
With such significant benefits, it's clear that strategizing for career advancement should be a priority for every professional. Here are twelve essential steps to help you map out your career advancement journey.
Related: The Long Term Financial Benefits of Salary Negotiation
The first step towards a successful career advancement strategy is to be clear about your career goals. What does success look like to you? Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? This vision will serve as your north star, guiding your career decisions and helping you stay focused on your path. One of the best ways to start defining your career goals is by asking yourself some of the following questions.
After asking yourself these questions you will better understand your vision. This starts the process of understanding your ideal future self and career. To further expand upon this set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Goals. Similar to a project management Work Breakdown structure, break each aspect of your vision down until it has been broken down into the smallest actionable steps to achieving your vision. This is incredibly important because creating measurable goals will tap into our innate psychology which creates positive emotion when you sense you are headed in the right direction. In order to unlock the positive psychology you must have a clear aim or direction to be heading in.
Once you have clear career goals, take the time to understand the career landscape in your field. There are many different ways to understand your career landscape so it can feel overwhelming to start. Do not worry, start by taking small steps. Explore the opportunities available within your organization. While you explore opportunities in your organization you will inherently be networking which is important for career advancement as we will further discuss below. After exploring opportunities in your organization you can take another step by exploring industry opportunities and events. Taking these steps will make you understand the skills, qualifications, and experience required for advancement. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your career path.
One of my favorite approaches to helping my clients understand and identify next steps is through networking interviews and the Bureau of Labor statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. A few of my clients have an ideal title and responsibilities in mind, however many they have been unsure if they need a masters degree to obtain that role or not. To help them determine, I have encouraged them to collect data. How? Network and research.
To network kindly ask your manager, mentor, or reach out directly yourself, to see if you can connect with people in your desired role. Once connected, conduct an informal interview to get to know them. Applying a childlike curiosity is incredibly beneficial here as most people enjoy talking about themselves and can help you build rapport. Good questions to ask could be surrounding how they got into industry and what helped them decide what level of education they should pursue. As you interview, try and assess what level of education they have obtained. This will allow you to know the most common level for the role you are seeking.
To research I would check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for your position. The handbook will have data around the average level of educational attainment for people in the position. After which you can make a data backed decision on if spending the money on a masters degree is worth it. Please note this is specifically when evaluating if the master's degree is worth it for helping you obtain your dream position, they can be worth it for many different reasons.
In today's fast-paced world, continuous learning is a must. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. Pursue relevant courses, certifications, and training programs to enhance your skills and knowledge. A masters degree may be the relevant training program, but follow my favorite approach in step 2 if you are unsure on if the program is valuable to advancing your career. Additional formal education at a university may not be the highest leverage activity for you to advance your career. That does not mean you cannot continue learning. Check out the following websites as they could have relevant courses or certifications you can use to advance your career: LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera. Remember, investing in your education is an investment in your career.
Networking skills are crucial for career advancement. Develop your ability to build and maintain professional relationships. Practice active listening, ask insightful questions, and master the art of small talk. Remember, effective networking is about building genuine connections, not just exchanging business cards. Think of the childlike curiosity discussed in step 2.
Networking is a powerful tool for career advancement. It can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and give you access to mentors and influencers in your field. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to build and nurture your professional network. As discussed above as you work to advance your career you are going to have to network. A great place to start is within your organization and then branching out to people in your industry.
Read More: How to Expand your Professional Network
A mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support on your career journey. They've been where you are and can offer insights from their own experiences. Look for mentors within your organization or industry who align with your career goals. Remember, a good mentorship relationship should be mutually beneficial, fostering growth for both mentor and mentee.
Related: The Role of Mentorship In Salary Negotiations
Don't shy away from new responsibilities. Volunteering for challenging projects or stepping into leadership roles can demonstrate your capability and ambition. It's a chance to showcase your skills, learn new ones, and make a tangible impact on your organization. However if you are embracing new responsibilities be sure to touch up on your self-promotion skills.
Read More: Mastering the Art of Self Promotion.
Your career advancement is in your hands, and it's important to advocate for yourself. Communicate your career goals to your manager and express your desire for growth. Don't wait for opportunities to come your way; proactively seek them out and make your ambitions known. Many people are under the impression that hard work speaks for itself, unfortunately that is not the case. If people do not know who you are or what you have to offer there is no way your next promotion will just fall into your lap. It is just like seeking a higher raise. You probably will not get a higher raise unless you ask for it.
Keep an eye on internal job postings. Look for roles that align with your career goals and apply when you meet the qualifications. Internal hires often have a competitive advantage as they're already familiar with the company culture and operations which is often the biggest aspect of onboarding and training. When it comes down to it, most skills in most roles can be easily taught. The hard part is finding the right cultural fit.
Volunteering for industry organizations can boost your reputation and enhance your professional network. It shows your commitment to the industry and can provide opportunities for leadership and skill development. It is also a way to lean into self-promotion to become more well known in industry.
A sponsor is a senior leader who advocates for you in the workplace. They can provide you with opportunities, endorse your skills, and help you navigate organizational politics. Seeking sponsorship can accelerate your career advancement, especially in competitive industries. This raises the question of how to obtain a sponsor. Below is a short step-by step list to consider. It follows the idea from the 48 laws of power to never outshine the master. If you were to outshine the master you would be perceived as a threat. The steps described curates that psychology and makes them view you as an asset. If they are the visionary and you are their operator they will advocate for you. The more you give and add value to the sponsor the more likely they are to reciprocate.
While career advancement is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of your personal life. Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, a burned-out employee cannot perform effectively, let alone advance in their career.
In conclusion, career advancement is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous effort, resilience, and adaptability. With a clear vision, a solid plan, and a proactive approach, you can navigate your career path and achieve your professional goals. So, gear up, take the reins, and chart your path to success. Let your career advancement journey begin! If you have liked this article please share with your friends. Want to take the next steps with a mentor to support your career journey schedule a free consultation with Acquired Salary today!
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Career coaches assess skills and values to align them with suitable career paths. They offer strategic advice on job search activities, including crafting compelling resumes and cover letters. Career coaches can also assist with overcoming workplace challenges and fostering professional development.
If you find yourself feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or uncertain about your career path, a career coach can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're considering a career change, seeking professional growth, or looking to improve your job search techniques, a career coach can be a valuable partner in your journey to success.
The duration of career coaching varies depending on your unique circumstances and objectives. Some clients find value in a few focused sessions, while others choose ongoing support over an extended period. Your career coach will work with you to determine the most suitable timeframe and frequency of sessions to ensure maximum benefit.
There are benefits to both salary and hourly. The benefits of having a salary is the security of steady paychecks and on average salary employees tend to have a higher income than hourly employees.
When you have employees who are getting paid salary they are usually more productive if they are paid right. That is why salary negotiations are much more important. A salary increase plays a crucial role in productivity.
When negotiating salary there are mutliple ways you can be productive. These can include: becoming familiar with your industry, staying positive, practice, and more.