Progressing at work doesn’t always mean becoming a manager.
It can mean taking on more responsibility, becoming more skilled, moving into a different role, earning more or being promoted to a more senior position.
Once you’ve settled into your job, you may start thinking about what your next step could be. Understanding what opportunities are available, and what your employer looks for when people progress, can help you prepare.
Promotion doesn't usually happen just because you've been somewhere for a certain amount of time. Employers are likely to look at the skills, experience and behaviours you demonstrate at work, as well as whether you're ready to take on additional responsibilities.
You don't need to rush. Building a good reputation, learning from others and showing that you're interested in developing can all help when the right opportunity comes along.
What Does Progression Look Like?
Progression will be different depending on your job and workplace. It could include:
Taking responsibility for new or more complicated tasks
Becoming someone others can turn to for help
Learning to use new equipment, systems or processes
Completing training or gaining a qualification
Supporting or training newer colleagues
Moving to another team or area of the organisation
Becoming a supervisor, team leader or manager
Applying for a higher-paid or more senior position
There isn't just one way to progress. Your next step should depend on what's right for you.
Top Tips for Progressing at Work
Do your current job well: Being reliable, completing your work to a good standard and showing a positive attitude can help build a strong reputation.
Find out what the next step looks like: Look at more senior roles in your workplace. What skills, experience or qualifications do they require?
Let people know you're interested: Tell your manager you'd like to develop. You don't have to ask for a promotion straight away. Ask what you could work towards.
Take opportunities to stretch yourself: A new project, responsibility or task can give you valuable experience and something concrete to talk about when opportunities arise.
Ask for feedback: Rather than just asking, "Am I doing well?", try asking, "What would I need to demonstrate to be ready for more responsibility?"
Keep a record of your achievements: Make a note of positive feedback, training, new responsibilities, targets you've achieved and examples of problems you've solved.
Don't be discouraged by a 'not yet': If you don't get an opportunity, ask what you could develop before the next one. Use the feedback to help you prepare.
Activity
Am I Showing I’m Ready?: Have a look at the statements below. Which ones can you already confidently say yes to?
☐ I can complete my main responsibilities confidently
☐ I am reliable and people can depend on me
☐ I ask for help when I need it
☐ I can solve some problems without needing someone else to step in
☐ I have learned things since starting my job
☐ I have taken on something outside my usual tasks
☐ I can give examples of things I've achieved at work
☐ I know what the next level or role could be
☐ I know what skills or experience I would need to get there
☐ My manager knows that I'm interested in progressing
Look at the boxes you haven't ticked
Don't see these as things you're doing wrong. Instead, choose one that you could start working on.
The one I'd like to work on is: _____________________
Something I could do to start: ____________________
Remember: Progress isn't a race. Some people want promotion quickly, while others want to become confident and experienced in their current role first. Both are valid ways of progressing.