photo credit: phill.d

When searching for the best ways to advance in your current job, you’re likely to come across plenty of books and articles that advocate scheming and shortcuts to make it to the top more quickly. Although these texts may appeal to your eagerness to graduate from the cubicle, they usually aren’t the most effective or realistic routes to help take you to the next level. Instead of waiting around impatiently or wasting your time on fruitless schemes, there are several tried-and-true ways in which you can better your chances of enhancing your career opportunities.

Practice leadership skills

It can be difficult to show off your leadership skills when you work beneath one or several individuals. Although you should avoid challenging the authority of your supervisors, you can still take initiative in the projects you are assigned by offering solutions to problems you encounter, contributing ideas and offering advice to co-workers involved in the project. Don’t complain about your workload, and strive to be a problem-solver and positive thinker in the workplace. This lets your superiors know that you are capable of handling bigger projects and responsibilities later on down the road.

Further your education

Sometimes your performance isn’t quite enough to prove that you are qualified for a position with more responsibility. Acquiring an advanced degree could give you the credentials necessary to take on greater responsibilities at work. Working toward your degree not only puts you in a better position for a promotion, but it sends the message that you are willing to put in the effort necessary to improve your performance. Earning a degree also indicates that you truly care about your profession. Since your job likely keeps you busy during most of the week, consider online education opportunities to earn your degree according to your own schedule and at your own pace.

Participate often and contribute ideas

If you’re used to skipping out or sleeping through employee meetings, you are missing out on a great opportunity to show off your advanced abilities. Participate in these meetings  by making suggestions for improvement within the workplace and submitting fresh ideas for advancing the company’s consumer appeal to truly stand out among your peers. Beyond these meetings, you should feel comfortable submitting ideas to your superiors on a regular basis. It’s crucial that you avoid submitting ideas too often and always make sure the ideas are well-thought out and well-presented each time.

Invest time and effort in your work

To prove that you are capable of handling greater responsibilities in a higher position, you have to be willing to take on the responsibilities that are assigned to you in your current position. Take pride in your work and avoid wasting time at the office. Be willing to work overtime (and not forever…Scot) and stay for the full duration of your shift on a regular basis. This lets your boss know that you truly care about your work and are willing to make sacrifices and put forth the effort necessary to deliver a job well done.

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Jesse Langley specializes in writing about education, professional and personal development, and career building.  He writes on behalf of Colorado Technical University.

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