If you want to stand out, get noticed, and move up in your career, you can’t just hope for the best—you have to be intentional about it. Here’s how you can take control of your professional growth with real, actionable strategies.
Set Clear Goals with Your Manager
One of the biggest complaints I hear is people feeling stuck in their jobs, unsure of how to get promoted. Yet, when I ask if they’ve had a direct conversation with their manager about it, the answer is often no. If you don’t know the roadmap to promotion, how can you expect to get there?
Early in my career, I made it a habit to ask about career growth before even accepting a job offer. Once I was in the role, I had candid conversations with my manager about what it takes to move up. Doing this removes the guesswork and ensures you’re putting your energy into what actually matters. Ask about specific skills, timelines, and measurable results so you can be intentional with your progress.
I’ve seen too many people work hard in areas that don’t align with what leadership values. At one company, I found out that performance discussions started a full year in advance, with management tracking progress long before promotions were officially on the table. Because I got on my manager’s radar early, I was able to make sure my contributions were visible and aligned with company goals. This led to me earning more responsibilities, from leading projects to managing teams.
If you’re nervous about initiating this conversation, don’t stress. You don’t have to walk in and ask, “How do I get your job?” Instead, position it as a discussion about how you can make the biggest impact. Highlight what you’ve already contributed and ask what skills or projects you should focus on to add even more value.
Network with Purpose
Career growth isn’t just about getting your boss’s approval. It’s also about building relationships with the right people—your peers, mentors, and even leaders in related departments.
When I was aiming for a promotion, I didn’t just check in with my manager. I spoke with their boss, employees who had recently been promoted, and my peers. Through these conversations, I learned that one of my colleagues had recurring meetings with senior leadership—something that wasn’t common knowledge. That insight helped me build a strategy to increase my visibility and position myself for the next step.
Keep a Brag Folder
If you’re not already doing this, start today. A brag folder is exactly what it sounds like—a collection of your wins, big and small. Keeping track of your achievements makes it much easier when it’s time for performance reviews, job applications, or salary negotiations.
What to include:
- Project milestones and results
- Positive feedback from leadership and colleagues
- Metrics that showcase your impact (e.g., efficiency improvements, revenue growth, successful initiatives)
I recommend updating it regularly, especially right after completing major projects. Trying to remember your achievements months or years later is much harder than jotting them down while they’re fresh.
Take Action Now
Career growth isn’t about luck—it’s about being strategic. Set clear goals, build meaningful relationships, and track your accomplishments. These small but intentional steps add up and will position you for success.
So if you haven’t talked to your manager about your growth, schedule that meeting. And if you don’t have a brag folder yet, start one today. Your future self will thank you!