If you have your eye on a leadership role—either within your current company or another organization—you can help your career by preparing for it now. Organizations will always need strong leadership. These leaders help map their company’s direction, drive innovation and do the necessary work to support their organization’s goals and vision.

When you know you’re ready to step out of an entry-level role and take on a more senior-level position, you can do a few things to help yourself stand out and move up. Deanna deBara, a writer and content strategist, has outlined five tips for moving to the next stage of your career. We share her thoughts in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

Determine your career goals. Take time to think about why you want to advance. If you apply for a more senior role just because you want a promotion, you may end up taking a position that isn’t the right fit for you. You may also find yourself on a career path that isn’t aligned with your goals, deBara adds. Consider what tasks and responsibilities you most enjoy. The more clarity you establish, the easier it will be to keep moving in the right direction.

Prioritize networking. To keep your career moving forward, it’s important to build connections—both within your current company and outside of your organization. The people you meet at trade shows, conferences and other events may be the ones who refer you to your next opportunity. deBara recommends engaging in events and groups that will put you in touch with leaders in your company and industry. Even just asking someone to meet for coffee in person or over Zoom can help you learn more about their career and how they got there.

Ask how you can advance. Your boss may not know you aspire to a bigger role. Talk to your boss about how you can get promoted and move up in your company. deBara says asking what you can do to advance is one of the best ways you can land a more senior position. She advises scheduling a meeting with the people who can promote you and asking about the specific skills and characteristics you should work on developing.

Go above and beyond. If you want to show you’re ready for a senior-level role, don’t just do what’s expected—do more. If you have a goal to set 20 meetings, strive for 30. When you consistently exceed expectations, you put yourself in a prime position to advance your career, deBara notes.

Keep a positive attitude. Your work is important, but so is your attitude while you perform the work. Show up with enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Avoid gossiping and complaining. And always treat people with respect. Organizations look for leaders who inspire others. You can do that by keeping a positive attitude in all situations.

Successful companies don’t just hire anyone for senior-level positions—they look for the best. If you’re hoping to pursue higher-level roles in 2022, follow the guidance above to set yourself up for success.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Deanna deBara is a freelance writer and content strategist.