Timing is everything. The decision to seek the next challenge – which invariably brings about additional responsibilities and higher salaries, is one that only you will know when you are ready to make. For some people, the writing is on the wall when job duties are no longer challenging– they are not mentally stimulated and can become less motivated. For others, it may be the feeling they’ve hit a wall and are not able to make an impact to the extent they desire from their current role.
In an ideal situation, your colleagues may notice your capabilities and recommend you for the next opportunity within your current organization or at another one. In either case, the time to move up, or move on, will be for you to decide based on your needs and aspirations. The key is to be prepared to answer when opportunity comes knocking from a door you’ve opened for yourself, or one that has been opened for you.
Avoid the degree trap. The number of college degrees you have, or lack thereof, does not necessarily dictate your career trajectory. Many people are smart and have multiple degrees these days. Employers appreciate them in part because it suggests you can operate within a system and have the ability to navigate through a set of tasks to completion. You study…you pass the exams…you move up. This is not necessarily the case in the workplace where there are often multiple candidates with similar educational backgrounds vying for the same opportunity.
True, some career paths require specific degrees or certifications that are non-negotiable. Beyond that, there are many career paths that do not have such mandates. A recent PEW study revealed 42% of the workforce has a bachelor’s degree in an area of study unrelated to their current career. In the end, all things considered equal, it’s usually your soft skills that will set you apart. And practical experience does matter.
Career exploration. Seek out thought-leaders, and executives you view as successful. The Internet offers an abundance of information on just about everything. Google them to research their career path and learn what experience they have had that enables them to do what they do. Find a time and method that is mutually convenient for the both of you (in person, phone, Skype, etc.) and set up a meeting with them. Come to the meeting prepared to pitch who you are and what you can deliver, and any questions you’d like to ask of them. Most importantly, listen to the feedback they offer.
Before you apply for the new position, take the time to fully understand what the new job will entail. Take a look at your total skill set. How does it measure up to what the job requires? What are the expectations? Entry and access – is this a position that requires a high level of skill, contacts, or education? If so, do you meet the criteria? If not, do what is necessary to meet it. For example, you might explore volunteer opportunities that will give you additional experience you need to be in the best possible position to succeed.
Create Your Own Opportunity. Opportunities for advancement are not always clear and as simple as applying for a listed job opening. Is there a void that needs to be filled in your current organization that you are uniquely equipped to fulfill? If so, get in front of a decision maker and make your case. This can be more of a challenge than applying for an existing opportunity, but if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, are willing to do some research, and can present a compelling argument for why you should be the one to fill the void, it can be done.
There’s no secret recipe for getting to the next level. Many of us “zig and zag” our way to success and experience a number of failures (read: learning experiences) along the way. In the end, you design your career path and are the master of your own career fate. Think strategically and choose wisely.
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The NFLPE Women's Community "Defining Your Career" series offers useful and practical advice for boosting your career at any stage. Check back every two weeks for new articles and share your perspective in the comments.