We often see people we started our careers with racing ahead and achieving much more than we could imagine—while we’re still doing the same role at the same company. Although there’s no doubt that success takes a lot of hard work, there are other things that can play a part in career progression. If you want to find out what these are, read on:
1. Further Your Education
Many professionals argue that the more qualifications you have, the higher your chances of career progression. While it’s true that some people work their way up from the bottom of a company to the top without a degree or similar, this rarely happens. Most companies prefer the people in top roles to have the right qualifications, such as an M.S.M. degree. For this reason, if you do not have a high-level qualification, you might want to consider returning to college or doing an online degree.
2. Take Advantage of Training and Development Opportunities
If going back to college fills you with dread, there are other ways to further your knowledge and increase your chances of career progression, such as by taking advantage of in-house training and development opportunities. Take a look at your workplace’s intranet or ask an HR manager what training courses are available and whether you can sign up for them. Signing up for these training opportunities will not only help you increase your knowledge but can also put you in a better position for promotion.
3. Set Goals
To progress in your career, you will need to set goals that guide you through the process of career progression. These goals must be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely). Setting yourself goals is a great way to track how well your career is progressing and what you have achieved along the way.
4. Become an Expert in Your Industry
Innovative technology is introduced every day, affecting how everything operates, including the industry we work in. People wanting to progress in an industry must stay ahead of the game by learning about these new inventions and becoming an expert in their industry.
5. Seek Out Feedback
One of the best ways to measure progress and ensure you are on the right track to achieving your goals is by asking for feedback. However, don’t just limit feedback to your superiors; you should also seek feedback from your peers as they may be able to offer a different insight into how well you perform at work and what you can improve.
Career progression is all about moving ahead or progressing in your career. If you are stuck in the same role and want to know how to move up a level or two, try some of the practical tips above. These tips can help with a range of things, such as helping you get promoted to a higher level, increasing your wages, and giving you the knowledge and skills you need to apply for better roles in other companies.
Sally Giles ran her own successful importing business for many years. She’s now living the dream as a freelance writer, walking her dogs through the forest most days.
