Listen to Peer Mentor Circles Founder, Oreoluwa and Member, Ayo (Founder of WEMNE, Women's Empowerment Network), in an informal Q&A session on career promotion and progression.

Listen to the our conversation.

The Journey up

Take the time to ask your boss about career progression opportunities, and discuss the potential ways you could develop within the business. If you own your own business, think about what career progression might look like for you. Various development opportunities exist within most businesses, and finding the one that suits you best could catapult your career in the right direction.

If you are a supervisor, business owner, or leader of teams, take time to have open, honest discussions with your team members and direct reports about the kind of opportunities that will be available to them.

Practical Steps to help your career planning

Step 1: Write down your primary career interests.

Step 2: Identify long-term professional goals (including positions desired within the company or goals for your business).

Step 3: Identify the short-term goals that will contribute to long-term interests.

Step 4: Identify any gaps or challenges, that may stand in your way, and consider practical steps that you can take to address these challenges.

Step 5: List 2-3 activities that will help you reach each goal.

Other personal development options

Graduate/Trainee schemes
Training courses
Online training
Professional Certifications
In-role development/projects to develop skills and gain relevant experience
Initiatives/projects outside of work; e.g. blogging, clubs, networks

TOP TIPS

Plan and prepare for a conversation about a promotion/career progression.
Make sure you understand how you add value to your business/organisation, and find ways to demonstrate this.
Take emotion out of it - no one gets a promotion just because they feel like they deserve one.
Look at the types of people in the positions that you want
- How did they get there?
- What are the significant moments/experiences in their careers, and how might you gain more relevant experience?
- What skills do they possess that make them right for the job? How might you develop your skill set?
- Reach out, and see if they are willing to mentor you

Questions to ask yourself before asking/going for a promotion

Are you ready for the promotion/progression? - Do you have the capacity to learn, deliver and excel at a higher level.

Are you qualified? - Do you have the skills, experience, etc.

Are you deserving? - Are you dedicated, and diligent? Do you have the right attitude?

Final Advice

Self-promotion - start with you, and learn how to sell yourself.
Network - use your network, to stay up to date on what opportunities may be out there
Work out loud - share your work/progress/achievements, ask where you can help others