How to Get Ahead In Your Career

When you get out of high school and make the choice as to whether or not you plan to go to college, the whole idea behind it is career advancement.  We go away to college to get to travel a specific career path more quickly or we work as hard as we can – without the degree – to the do that as well.  No matter which choice you make, the idea is to climb the career ranks, get ahead, and assume a better station in life.  The faster we grow in our positions, the more fulfillment we’re able to achieve.

These days, we all take a lot of pride in our career paths and we make a solid effort to advance as honestly as possible.  We try to get there without stepping on the backs of our co-workers and without cutting corners.  When we get to a certain spot, we want to know that we’ve earned.  However, the really unfortunate thing about career advancement is that not many people know how to get there without hurting others or selling themselves out.  There are plenty of honest ways to climb the corporate ladder, without sacrificing your integrity.

Top Five Tips

• Be Yourself – If you’re brownnosing, your boss is going to know. Be genuine.  If you’re truly interested in an upcoming project, let your boss know, but be real with him and get ahead for the right reasons.  Tell him what characteristics you possess that make you the best candidate for taking point on the newest assignment floating around the office.  If you agree with something your boss said, let him know and have at least three comments on hand explaining why you agree.  If you disagree and you decide to speak out, make sure you have the same amount of arguments on hand if you intend to publicly do so.
• Work Hard – A lot of people claim to work really hard, but really they’re giving maybe forty percent of their total effort at work. If you want to get ahead, do it by showing your superiors that you’re willing to give a hundred percent, one hundred percent of the time.  Come back immediately when your lunch break is over, don’t take excessive drink, smoke, or bathroom breaks, and don’t let the boss catch you surfing the internet for your child’s birthday present.  Put some elbow grease into getting ahead.
• Go Above and Beyond – If your boss asks for volunteers to run an errand or work on a special task force, volunteer. Even if it means more time in the office, sign yourself up.  Your boss will see the extra work, time, and effort you’re putting into the company and chances are, she’ll remember your name the next time something comes up.
• Be Seen – Make your name something to be remembered around the office, in a genuine way. Smile and be polite to everyone.  Participate in happy hours or work events and don’t just slouch in a corner, be seen.  At the company Christmas party, take a few spins around the dance floor, sing a few carols, and leave in a similar fashion to which you arrived.
• Be Professional – At said Christmas party, don’t down nine shots at the bar and twerk on your boss. Don’t be the office sourpuss that takes a stand against donations for birthday cakes or baby shower gifts.  If you can’t afford to contribute, politely explain that to the person spearheading the collection.  Address your boss and superiors respectfully and often.  Be recognized for the person who is polite and professional and is willing to do the work, not the person who gets “totally wrecked” at happy hours.

Getting ahead in your career isn’t going to be an easy task.  It’s going to be difficult and daunting as almost anything worth having usually is.  However, once you get there, you’ll know you truly deserve it and that type of promotion will feel amazing.