Ready for a change?
Being promoted is an important part of career progression. Competition in IT is high, and getting an opportunity is not always easy to achieve. Many people can get stuck and held back by not knowing what they need to do in order to progress. The secret to promotion involves gaining recognition and respect from your peers, managers and superiors. It brings greater responsibility, more pay and can give you a greater feeling of satisfaction from your job. Knowing how to get ahead and put yourself forward is essential in order to progress and get noticed. This article will discuss what promotion is and the benefits it can bring, the steps that need to be taken to get ahead and resources to help with this mission.
Steps to Take to Get Ahead
There are a number of steps that need to be taken to gain a promotion. Firstly, it'll be no surprise that you need to increase your technical and/or soft skills. This might come in the form of gaining a new qualification, taking courses related to your profession, or participating in industry events. All of these will help you understand the industry better and keep up to date with the latest trends. Put yourself in the shoes of your boss - what skills are lacking in the team right now? Can you help?
Once you've increased your abilities, it is important to build your network. This can be achieved by attending networking events, connecting with industry leaders, engaging with social media or joining a networking group. This need not be daunting! Start off by turning up and go from there. You'll soon find your voice. Working on your networking skills will show employers that you can build relationships and work cooperatively with peers and colleagues, all essential traits of a more senior role.
One of the best ways to get noticed and gain a promotion is to share your knowledge internally and take on extra projects. This will show your employer that you are dedicated and hard-working and willing to go the extra mile. What projects are late? What problems exist in the team right now that, with a bit of focused attention, could be solved? What are the hero opportunities?
It can also be very beneficial to find a mentor who can help guide and advise you through the process. Approach someone who believes in you and has no reason to hold you back.
In summary, in order to get a promotion, one must increase their skills, build their network and get noticed. By taking courses, attending networking events, connecting with industry leaders, taking on extra projects and leveraging social media, you can put yourself in the best possible position to be recognised and promoted. The benefits of promotion include increased pay, recognition, responsibility, and job satisfaction. Ultimately, with some dedication, focus and hard work, a promotion can be achieved.
Resources
The following resources can help with your mission to get ahead:
Learning Resources: MOOCs, online courses and textbooks are all great resources for gaining knowledge and perfecting technical skills.
Networking Events: Attend networking events in the local area to build relationships with people in the same industry.
Mentorship Programs: A mentor can provide invaluable guidance throughout your journey to get ahead. Consider reaching out to an industry leader or an established member of your field.
Conclusion
Achieving promotion is not an easy task and requires hard work. By following the steps listed above, you can put yourself in a great position to gain recognition and further your career. With the right technical skills and a network of people to advise and support, you can show your employers your commitment and ambition. Remember to take advantage of the resources available to you and be prepared to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Whatever you want to do, you can achieve it. First, decide to make a change, then identify the first step, take a deep breath and take action!
Let us know how you get on :-)