It’s a new year, and there’s no time like the present to think about where you want to go next in your career. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for a promotion.
But here's the thing about promotions: they rarely happen by accident. The employees who move up are typically the ones who prepare strategically, demonstrate their capabilities, and make their ambitions known. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
If you're hoping to advance this year, here are six steps you can take to position yourself as a serious candidate.
1. Take advantage of continued education opportunities
One of the most effective ways to stand out is by investing in your professional development. If your employer offers education benefits like tuition assistance through EdAssist® by Bright Horizons®, for example, this is your chance to put those resources to work.
Start by exploring what programs align with the career path you want to pursue. If you're eyeing a management role, a leadership certificate or MBA might make sense. If you're looking to move into a more technical position, there may be certifications or degree programs that can help you build the required skills.
If you’re unsure (and even if you ARE sure), EdAssist's academic coaches can help you identify programs that fit both your career goals and your employer's tuition policy, making sure you maximize your benefits.
Beyond formal degrees, look into shorter learning opportunities as well. Many employers offer access to professional development resources, workshops, or online learning platforms. Taking initiative to build your skills signals to leadership that you're serious about growing in your career.
When in doubt, ask your manager or HR team. You may have your eye on a specific position, and certain programs or degrees may give you a leg up when a spot opens up.
2. Participate in employer activities and initiatives
Companies often offer opportunities that go beyond day-to-day responsibilities. Think hackathons, innovation challenges, mentorship programs, employee resource groups, leadership retreats, and cross-functional projects.
These activities might feel optional, but they're actually valuable opportunities to expand your visibility and demonstrate your engagement.
When you participate in these initiatives, you build relationships with colleagues and leaders outside your immediate team. You also get the chance to showcase skills that might not be visible in your regular role, including creativity, collaboration, leadership, or technical abilities.
Keep in mind that the people who eventually get promoted are often the ones who've made themselves known across the organization, not just within their own department. These events are a great way to do exactly that.
And if your company has a formal mentorship program, consider both sides of the equation. Finding a mentor who can offer career guidance is valuable, but volunteering to mentor others demonstrates leadership potential and investment in company culture.
3. Take ownership of projects and responsibilities
This is where day-to-day work matters most. Employees who get promoted are typically those who don't wait to be told what to do; they see what needs to happen and make it happen.
Look for opportunities to take on additional responsibility, and let your manager know you’re interested in doing so. Volunteer for projects that will stretch your skills or increase your exposure to senior leadership. When problems arise, come with solutions rather than just concerns. If you notice a process that could be improved, propose changes and offer to lead the implementation.
Document your contributions as you go. Keep track of the projects you've led, the results you've achieved, and the impact you've had on the team or organization. You'll need these specifics when it's time to make your case for promotion.
And don’t forget about the soft skills. Technical skills are great, but the ability to lead a team, manage a project that’s completed on time, and communicate effectively across different departments matters for mid-level and senior-level roles, too.
4. Ask for feedback from your manager
Many people assume their manager knows they want to advance, but assumptions can lead to missed opportunities. Be direct about your goals and ask for honest feedback about what it would take to get there.
Schedule time specifically for this conversation; don't try to squeeze it into a busy one-on-one or performance review. Ask questions like:
- What skills would I need to develop to be considered for the specific roles you’re interested in?
- What gaps do you see between where I am now and where I'd need to be?
- Are there particular projects or experiences that would help me get there?
Your manager may have insights about organizational needs, upcoming opportunities, or perceptions you're not aware of. They might also be able to advocate for you when promotion decisions are being made, but they can only do this if they know you're interested and understand what you're working toward.
5. Understand the job requirements for the position you want
Before you set your sights on a specific role, do your research. There may be requirements you need to meet before you’re even eligible.
Review the job description for the position you're targeting. Talk to people who currently hold that role or have recently been promoted into it. Make sure you find out:
- What skills are essential?
- What experiences prepared them?
- What does success look like in that position?
If your company has competency frameworks or career ladders, study them. Understand the specific criteria used to evaluate candidates for promotion. This allows you to identify gaps in your own experience and address them proactively, whether that's through education, stretch assignments, or targeted skill-building.
6. Act on the feedback you receive
Asking for feedback is only valuable if you actually do something with it. When your manager or colleagues offer suggestions for improvement, take them seriously and create a plan to address them.
This might mean enrolling in a course to build a skill you're lacking, changing how you approach certain aspects of your work, or seeking out experiences that fill gaps in your background. Be visible about the work you're doing to grow. When you check in with your manager, reference specific feedback you've received and share what you've done in response.
Demonstrating that you can hear criticism, internalize it, and take action is itself a leadership quality. It shows self-awareness, humility, and commitment to growth, which are all things that matter when organizations are deciding who to promote.
Your next title starts with what you do now
Promotions don't just fall into people's laps, even if it may seem like it from the outside. They're the result of strategic preparation, visible contributions, and clear communication about your goals.
By investing in your education, engaging in company initiatives, taking ownership of meaningful work, and acting on input you receive, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to advance.
If you're ready to start building the skills and credentials that can help you reach the next level, explore the education benefits available to you. EdAssist's coaches can help you identify the right programs for your career path and make a plan that works with your schedule and budget. Your promotion story starts with the steps you take today.
Looking for more ways to leverage continued education to advance your career? Get the resources you need with EdAssist’s LevelUp Studio!
