Many of our students are pursuing higher education with the intention of moving up in their current positions. With this in mind, we wanted to write about how that can become more possible. The potential for moving up in a company is an aspect that most of us look for when pursuing a new position. However, the potential for a promotion does not necessarily ensure the earning of one.
We recently read an article on Forbes.com that lists three things employees can do to increase their chances of earning a promotion. We thought these were some great tips and wanted to share them with you as well.
1. Do your current job really really well. The very best way to demonstrate that you’re ready for the next step is to knock what’s right in front of you out of the park. Provide tons of value right now.
2. Put your hand up. When someone on your team asks for help, and you could do it without compromising your own results — say yes. When bosses are thinking about who to promote, they reflect not only on who gets great results, but also on who supports the success of the larger team.
3. Be an ally to those you want as allies. The best and most honorable way to build an ally is to be one. So think about who can affect the decision about whether you get promoted, and figure out how you can genuinely and authentically support their success.
In mentioning these tips, they also stress the importance of working well as a team and of having larger, team goals in mind, not just those of your current position. Caring and working towards the advancement of your company as a whole shows that you are invested and that you have the propensity for growth.
Forbes also stresses the importance of authenticity and genuineness while at work. Pretending to be concerned for the company as a whole or pretending to be kind and helpful when really being spiteful or only helping out to look good will not go unnoticed. Your co-workers can tell when you are being genuine and when you are not.
Finally, be patient and wait. Don’t spend all of your time focusing on what promotion may be coming up or on how you could do another job. Be present at work. Work hard at what you do, and do it well. When opportunities arise, go for them, but don’t spend all your time hoping and wishing, or you’ll get burned out quickly. Be thankful for the position you have now.
This is a great post! Just this morning I heard a commercial for CSU’s CAPS program where a current student earned a raise in his current position since beginning this program. Clearly the program is focused on preparing students for future employment.
Thanks for your encouraging feedback, Staci! I agree that this program is a great opportunity for students to grow both academically and professionally!