Whether you have an ideal position in mind or you just want to grow your work experience, it is always good to work towards achieving a new level in your career.
This concept can feel daunting since it is most comfortable to stay in the position you know, but the only way to advance is to lean into the discomfort of trying something new and challenging.
Moving up to the next level in your career means something different to everyone and it is a completely customizable experience.
Let’s explore some concepts and tips that will help you determine what moving up to the next level means to you and how you can achieve it.
What Is The Next Level?
Finding the next level in your career is a personal experience.
For some people, the levels are clearly designed, like moving from team member to team leader to management positions and so on. For others, the next level can feel more like a jump from one sector to another.
It does not matter whether you have a clear cut path to follow or you want to create your own, it only matters that you are motivated to be on that next level.
Take some time to consider where you want to be in your career and why.
The answers to these questions should help you determine where your level is and motivate you. When you define the next level in your career be sure to document it so you can stay focused and reflect on it as you work to achieve this advancement.
If you find that where you want to be is impossible or highly unlikely in your current place of work then consider changing jobs. By taking a job that offers the position you are looking for it becomes possible to aim directly for that position or work your way up to it. Changing your workplace can be an intimidating choice, but if that position is truly where you want to be then you will also feel excited about moving towards your next level.
If at any time your idea of what the next level is in your career changes it is recommended that you take the time to understand why and what your new goal is. There is no need to waste time and energy on a goal you no longer desire.
What Skills Are Needed At That Level?
Now that you have determined where your next level is and why you want to be there it is important to understand how that level functions.
If that level of your career is clearly defined by a title you can start by doing research on exactly what the job position requires.
Regardless of what the position is titled the responsibilities can vary between companies. Identify any responsibilities of the position that are unique to the company you are in. Then you can determine what skills are linked to that responsibility and add them to the list of skills you will need for the position.
After a bit of research write out a list of the skills required to reach that next level and rate them as advanced, intermediate, and novice.
There should be a real-life example or another form of proof to back each advanced and intermediate skill. These examples are great for interviews and ensure that you are ranking each skill properly.
How Can You Obtain Those Skills?
For skills ranked as intermediate or novice, it is important to seek improvement. When you are looking to build upon new or existing skills keep in mind that there are multiple ways to obtain the experience needed.
Some skills may require formal education in a topic or a series of company constructed classes. If obtaining that certification is financially feasible and you have the time for it start to plan how you will work it into your schedule.
Other skills can be obtained in a less structured manner.
Leadership, for example, can be exercised through both taking on a guiding role in a company project or directing a recreational sports team.
Experience is always valid, even if it feels small. If you still do not feel confident in a skill it is beneficial to stack experiences.
Read that extra book or sign up for that coding class. Take on whatever it is that makes you more confident in the skills you are building because that experience and confidence will pay off.
How Can You Display Those Skills?
Having the skills to perform in a position is one thing, but displaying them to your company is another.
Lightly slipping in remarks about your new coding experience or mastery of design may get the word around but it is unlikely to make any change or prove any points.
Instead, work towards putting yourself in positions at work that will give you a chance to display your skills.
Lead a project, stay after to help with some glitching code, or offer to assist with the position you are looking to advance to. Extra effort and displaying useful intelligence has a big impact on how your coworkers see you.
If there are no available opportunities for you to display your skills, create your own opportunities. Offering relevant ideas to your higher up’s will get you noticed and display your qualifications.
What Connections Can Help You?
It’s all about what you know and who you know when you are working towards a new position.
To reach the next level in your career intervention from a boss or management figure is often required.
Consider who the people are that make decisions about raises and placement within your company and be sure they know who you are. Having a positive presence around the workplace, taking on responsibilities, and being friendly to decision-makers will help them get to know you.
Connections can extend beyond the workplace as well. Piers from different companies, friends, family, and anyone else you meet may have connections that can help you reach the next level.
You never know who has connections so be friendly and keep networking.
The Next Level In Your Career Is Within Reach!
If you are truly motivated then your career advancement is inevitable.
With a clearly defined goal in place, a full understanding of the required skills for your future position, and the experiences to back your skills up you will be well qualified.
With the help of some networking, your qualification and hard work are sure to be noticed.
Big moves can take time so patience and motivation are key, but if things are not panning out despite your best efforts it is time to reevaluate.
Know your worth, put in the work, and make the decisions needed to achieve the next level in your career.