By Andrew Amaechi Original: 4/28/2020

The times when careers were life spanning are long behind us, as today’s generation will likely experience 3-4 different jobs (at minimum) during their lifetime.

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A new normal for young adults today is fulfilling a shorter tenure per company, and perhaps forging their own way to the top; or where they want to be. With more partial career spans new generations of workers focus on strategies that allow for a more rapid ascent up the corporate ladder.

The journey upwards in the corporate world requires more than just years of service while hoping someone notices your hard work and loyalty. Professional development requires a proactive approach to planning and strategy. This mindset will earn you a reputation as a go-getter who focuses more on growth, which is a highly sought-after trait in the eyes of company leadership.

Learning how to best advance your career is imperative to getting the most out of your time with a company. It also promotes extra job security as you develop your skillsets. As a result, this will ultimately make you a valuable asset, which is supplemental in driving any company forward. Once you set your goals, you will need to figure out how to achieve them. Here are a few tips which can help start your ascension through the ranks.

Build Your Personal Brand

Branding is not exclusive to the business world, and if you think about it, considering your career as just another type of business will create the right mindset for building your personal brand.

Developing a personal brand is all about promoting yourself and building an image as a capable individual who can get the job done. Effective brand building requires that you know your strengths so you can more readily articulate those qualities in the work environment. Research what problems the company is currently facing and then work on a plan that shows you as part of the solution.

Find a Mentor

A mentor is an essential ally in your rise to the upper echelons of your company. They have the experience and the knowledge to help you stay on track as you move closer to your goals. With their invaluable expertise and tenure within the company, a mentor can help you land a promotion or help groom you for future advanced roles that may coincide with your career goals.

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An excellent way to find a mentor is by developing relationships within the company. Attend in-house networking events or community service initiatives where company executives are almost always present. Ask questions that relate to the industry and show them that you have done your research and that you appreciate their time and input.

The best mentors are the ones who can help you with a specific challenge, so it’s okay to have more than one. Mentors also don't have to come from inside the company. There are advantages to having access to experience from outside of the company, so widen your search for mentors who have expertise and viewpoints that haven't been influenced by your organization.

Join the Right Company

Not every company is going to be a springboard to your success. Established companies may be cautious to make room at the top, which can hinder your progress when you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder. All the same, many key positions (especially those of power) have already been claimed and won’t be easily surrendered.

Start-ups can be a viable option if you’re looking for a business that can provide a faster track to success. These new companies are often staffed with enthusiastic individuals who don’t necessarily have the experience required to ensure its success. Displaying that you are ready, willing, and competent to tackle the most demanding projects will attract favorable attention your way. Your employers will offer you more opportunities to showcase your strong suits, as such dedication is in accordance with company growth.

Naturally, you will be learning along the way as well, so it’s essential you track your progress and maintain accurate records of your achievements. It is best to add the new skills you learn and the successes you create for the company to your resume or portfolio.

Cultivate Your Skillsets through Professional Development

Sitting at a desk all day and doing the same thing day in day out is no way to advance yourself. Set your sights on the position you want to achieve and then go about undertaking those areas of professional development, which will make you qualified to take on the responsibilities you will face while in the position.

Professional development can take many forms. You could use the experience of the mentor we talked about earlier or find yourself a professional career coach with expertise in the field/industry in which you are interested.

You might also consider joining (or creating) a professional organization that will allow you to network with like-minded professionals within an environment that is conducive to learning, growth, and development. Take a look at these two:

Management Leadership for Tomorrow - equips and emboldens high-achieving men and women from underrepresented communities.

Toastmasters - an international organization that promotes communication, public speaking, and leadership, which can help to accelerate your growth as you connect and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in your field.

Be sure to research organizations in your area, so you can best be the judge of how much time you want to give to the organization(s) of choice. The important thing is to show that you have the initiative and drive to be successful in the position you are seeking to fill.

If those aren’t viable options, then online courses could be a great option to explore. Sites like Udemy, Udacity, LinkedIn learning, and Cousera all have certification courses that are recognized increasingly throughout the various industries as legitimate avenues for professional development.

Develop a Relationship with Your Supervisor

It’s hard to get a promotion if your supervisor doesn’t know who are. Take the time to get to know them by making yourself available to help them out with any problems or challenges they may be facing. This, in short, will make their job easier, and (in large companies) help them to remember you.

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Keep the lines of communication open and when the floor is open don’t shy away from sharing your ideas with your superiors. While every suggestion may not be a home run, a good supervisor will always appreciate insight from a different perspective.

In doing so you will prove to not only be a team player, but an individual who has the skills, knowledge, and determination to help build up the company. It is further beneficial to be in this category, versus someone who may show up and not actually be constructive to the company’s growth.

Conclusion

Showing up to work and doing the same thing every day is not a formula for success. Developing your personal brand, increasing your skill set through professional development, and taking advantage of a mentor's experience will help you ascend the ranks of your company. You will get noticed as a dedicated employee, and this, in turn, will increase your overall value.

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Are you eager to earn your next promotion? If so, what plans have you put in place to ensure your career advances at a steady pace? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found this post helpful, then please share and like it on social media.

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