Strategies To Consider When You Want To Move To Next Career Level

By Virginia Foster


If you are ambitious and serious about getting ahead in the workplace, you have your work cut out for you. Many women believe they can't achieve their highest goals because of gender bias and invisible barriers like the glass ceiling. These obstacles are real, but there are things you can do to minimize the effects. If you want to move to next career level, but aren't sure how to go about it, experts have some common sense advice you should follow.

There is no point in flying off in all directions and taking anything offered to you. What you need is a concrete goal and a targeted plan to achieve it. For instance, you may already be in a position of authority with a staff that you manage, but have a goal of getting into international business. Another woman might have international connections but aspire to a position with more authority and staff. The goals, and the ways to achieve them, will be totally different for these two individuals.

You need to be careful about who you confide in. Your boss may be really supportive of your dreams and ready to help you with introductions and extra responsibilities. It is just as likely that this person will see your ambitions as a threat or as an indication that you're in your current position only temporarily.

Preparing before you make any moves is always a good idea. You could begin volunteering for assignments that will add to your resume. You might find out whether your community college is offering any classes that would be beneficial to the job you are interested in. You may even be able to work with other divisions within your company while remaining in your current position.

As you advance in your career you will be expected to hold your own with corporate executives. To do that, you must have an impressive executive presence. You can start with assessing your communication skills. A lot of experts advise clients to record themselves. You could set up a mock interview, asking the questions, and recording your answers. You need to hear a person who is assertive, enunciates clearly, and avoids bad verbal habits.

Finding a sponsor who has already achieved the status you want for yourself can be very important. This should be a person who can introduce you to executives you need to know and can assist you with career opportunities. If you don't already know someone who fits this profile, you might have to do some research, seek a candidate out, and introduce yourself to him or her.

You might get so focused on your ambitions you think they are obvious to everyone else. This is almost never true. If you want people to give you opportunities, you have to let them know you are eager to accept them. Sitting back and waiting for the opportunities to fall in your lap is a bad plan.

Truly ambitious women have big choices to make. It is essential to create a game plan that targets your goals. It may not be easy, but with a lot of critical thinking, perseverance, and luck you can achieve your goals.




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