In this guide, you’ll discover a strategy to get the career advancement you’re looking for. You’ll learn what “advancement” really is, how it works, and everything you need to do to create the career path you want.

But before we begin, let me share what this post is not.

It’s not an intimidating resource with complex terms and technical jargon.

It’s not a “theory” post filled with abstract ideas you’ll need to figure out.

I’m going to cover the most basic parts of career advancement and show you how to use every element to create an authentic and fulfilling career.

Keep on reading to understand career advancement, or jump ahead to the section that interests you most.

Use the links below to jump to each section, or just scroll through the entire post step by step. It’s up to you!

What is Career Advancement and Why Does it Matter?

If you want to learn all about how to advance your career, you’re in the right place. Career Advancement is critical for anyone who wants to create a career that works for them.

There is no one-size fits all approach to this. For some ‘advancement’ may mean the C-Suite, for others it might mean settling into a role that fulfills your life needs and confidently executing your daily tasks.

This guide is not a “How to climb the corporate ladder” blue print. It’s a guide to show you how to define your career path for yourself and how to advance in the ways that makes that path possible.

What is Career Advancement?

Career Advancement is essentially the intentional taking on of additional responsibility, skills, experience and compensation over a given timeline. But it doesn’t ‘just happen.’ Many people are struggling to climb the career ladder due to factors like limited opportunities, lack of mentorship, or insufficient experience.

It differs from Career Pathing in that it is intended to incorporate moving up in title/responsibility whereas a career path may not include titling up (and can even mean descending the ladder).

We’ll cover all of that and more in this guide. After reading this, you will have a much better understanding of how Career Advancement actually works and why it is essential in your career planning.

We’ll also cover everything else you may want to know about career advancement, including a brief discussion of obstacles you may encounter, as well an in-depth explanation of important terms and concepts, tips and techniques, and links to other resources

Sharpen your skills with the free Career Success Workbook >>>

This is a deep dive into career advancement you can refer to again and again, and I’ll be updating regularly so you have the latest details.

If you’ve been dreaming of hitting those career heights and wondering what it entails, read on.

First, who is Career Advancement for?

Career Advancement is beneficial for any who doesn’t want to experience Career Stagnation.

Career stagnation occurs unintentionally. It can come from many different sources but the crux of it is that your career has stopped progressing in the ways you want it to and you are no longer growing, learning or engaging at the level you’re currently at.

It’s different that intentional pathing that has stopped at the level/role you’re currently at, in that you you did not plan to stay in this space it “just happened”.

Beyond being frustrating, Career stagnation can lead to:

Decreased Job Satisfaction: Feeling stuck and experiencing low morale and engagement.
Reduced Productivity: Lack of growth can stifle your creativity and desire for innovation.
Repeated Job Hopping: You may seek opportunities elsewhere to combat stagnant feeling.

You can combat this stagnation by mapping an intentional career path that includes advancement.

Why focus on career advancement?

Benefit #1: Intentionally planning on advancing your career encourages the right amount of risk-taking. It really allows you step outside comfort zone and pursue new challenges.

That’s what it’s all about, right?

And the best part is, the risks you take are intentionally thought out and in service of your Career Advancement plan (meaning, not much of a risky risk!)

It’s all doable when you start creating an intentional career path based on your desired level of advancement.

The more you know your ideal career path and tailor your risk taking to your desired outcome, the more motivated you’ll be to take those calculated risks.

For example:

My client Jenn wanted to take on more responsibility from a different vertical than hers in her current role. SHe was however, really hesitant to discuss this with her boss as she felt she’d be “stepping on toes” and she was afraid of spending that political capital.

We discussed the pros and cons of her taking the risk and she decided to lay out the argument to her manager, while understanding that if her proposal wasn’t accepted, there may be some uncomfortable awkwardness in her future.

She took the risk, had the discussion and it turned out that her manager had actually been asked to have her take on that responsibility but he believed she was a) already at capacity and b) had no knowledge she was interested so had actually been ‘protecting’ her from being given the work.

Risk taken, conversation had, win-win outcome experienced by all.

Related post: YOUR YEAR TO GET A PROMOTION

Benefit #2: Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks by fostering Resilience.

In today’s career environment, being resilient is more important than ever. Resilience is essentially your ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt when things don’t go as planned. We all face challenges at work, whether it’s dealing with a tough project, navigating office politics, or even facing unexpected job changes.

Developing resilience helps you not only handle these bumps in the road but also turn them into valuable lessons that help you grow. Instead of letting setbacks get you down, resilient folx learn from their experiences and come back even stronger, making them stand out to employers.

When you hit a snag in your career, your ability to think positively and creatively can be a game-changer. It encourages you to find innovative solutions and tackle problems head-on instead of feeling defeated. Plus, when you show resilience, you inspire your colleagues to do the same, which creates a supportive work atmosphere where everyone feels motivated to overcome challenges together.

But remember, resilience isn’t just beneficial for you—it plays an essential role in how teams function and how organizations thrive. Teams that have a resilient mindset can adapt to change more easily and keep morale high, which is super important for workplace culture. As companies increasingly focus on mental health and well-being, those who display resilience become key players in their organization. By taking the time to build your own resilience, you’re not only setting yourself up for career success, but you're also contributing to a healthier, more vibrant workplace where everyone can shine.

Benefit #3: No more shooting in the dark

None of us has time to throw career spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks.

When you craft a career path that plans on the advancement you’re looking for you have a directional compass that allows you to stay focused and keep the trial and error to a minimum.

Don’t take my word for it, just hear what a wonderful client of mine has to say after we mapped out an Advancement focused career plan for her:

“I’m excited - I now see the path to some things I had maybe been concerned were out of reach. I have tangible steps to take to get there in a way that still feels authentic.”— Kristin Jamberdino.

Benefit #4: You are able to prioritize well-being to maintain productivity and focus leading to actual Work/Life balance.

When you craft a career path that includes your plan for advancement it leads to a fulfilling career that not only aligns with your passions but also provides financial stability!

But as you know, a truly rewarding career isn't solely defined by financial success; it also encompasses your overall well-being.

Maintaining work-life balance is a vital component of a fulfilling career. Prioritizing self-care, setting clear boundaries, and celebrating your achievements contribute to your overall well-being and job satisfaction.

A successful career is not just about climbing the corporate ladder or accumulating wealth; it's also about leading a balanced and fulfilling life.

By integrating these strategies into your Career Advancement plan you can enjoy both career success and a happy, healthy life.

How do I know if I’m ready for Career Advancement?

Are you ready to be more fulfilled and have some serious job satisfaction at the end of the day? Trust me, you’re ready to plan for Career Advancement.

In all honesty, it may not be for you if you lack the time to make it a priority right now, because crafting a career that works for you means you’ll have to put in the time upfront if you want the outcome.

But let me be straight with you, you have much more to lose by ignoring the reality that yes, you do have to work on your career. Are there challenges to Career Advancement, yes and we’ll touch on those in a moment. But there’s big time opportunity cost for not taking action:

You’ll waste major time treading water where you already are
You’ll feel frustrated and defeated that you’re not “on track”
You won’t fulfill your definition of success

Important challenges to know and understand

Career advancement has become increasingly challenging for many folx. A complex interplay of factors contributes to this:

Limited Opportunities:

Economic Downturns: Reduced hiring and promotions freeze advancements
Flat Organizations: Fewer managerial positions limit upward mobility
Lack of Internal Mobility: Companies not prioritizing internal promotions
2. Skill Gaps:

Rapid Technological Change: The pace of tech can outstrips your ability to acquire the most up to date skills
Lack of Training and Development: So many companies don't invest adequately in employee upskilling
3. Inequitable Systems:

Bias and Discrimination: Systemic barriers prevent underrepresented groups from accessing opportunities
Unclear Promotion Criteria: Vague promotion standards can lead to favoritism and/or nepotism

Career Advancement can get complicated without a solid understanding of challenges you might face.

Best tips and practices

For the best results possible, follow a proven pathway. Why not benefit from the people who have gone before you, found what works and what doesn’t, and are enjoying massive success? You’ll save time, money, energy, and frustration!

Here are the 8 best tips based on not just mine, but my collective client’s experiences:

Tip #1 First, the most important universal tip I can give you is to find a mentor.

Lack of mentorship means an absence of experienced guides and that can seriously hinder career progression.

You may find it hard to find the right mentor at first but keep working your network and having conversations with folx you find helpful and you will find the right one.

A mentor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that can provide invaluable guidance as you navigate the ups and downs of your professional life. For how can to get started with utilizing a mentor head here: 10 CAREER GROWTH STRATEGIES YOU CAN DO TODAY

Mentors can:

help you identify your strengths and weaknesses
set achievable goals
offer constructive feedback that can accelerate your growth
Offer support career long (not just in one role)

Beyond practical advice, mentors often serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement, reminding you of your potential when self-doubt creeps in. Plus, having a mentor expands your professional network, opening doors to new opportunities and connections you might not have encountered on your own.

Ultimately, a strong mentoring relationship can empower you to take confident steps in your career, helping you make informed decisions and ultimately paving the way to long-term success.

Don’t go it alone! Get a mentor and get help from someone who’s ready to support you in your. Click here to schedule a consult call with me!

Tip #2: Ditch the Fear of Failure.

Hesitancy to take risks can limit growth opportunities. As we discussed before, risk taking is imperative to your career advancement.

One of the things most of us forget is that “failure” and mistakes are how we learn and grow.

Let me explain:

While it sounds counterintuitive, failing can actually be a secret weapon in your career advancement arsenal! Every time you stumble, it's like leveling up your real-world video game. You learn what doesn't work, figure out what went wrong, and use those lessons to build something even better.

Next time you’re afraid to strike out, step back and relax. Try to see it as a chance to come back stronger and smarter if the worst is to happen (which isn’t very likely). After all, every success story is filled with chapters of trying and failing before hitting the jackpot.

Tip #3: Prioritize Work-Life Balance over just focusing on Career Advancement.

Many people find this step hard or ignore it completely due to the misconception that attempting to find balance is a distraction and that hyper-focus is needed to achieve success.

You might think burning the midnight oil is the key to career success, but, it's actually about finding that sweet spot between work and play. When you take time to recharge, whether it's hitting the gym, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a hobby, you come back to work with a clearer head and a fresh perspective.

It's like giving your brain a vacation so it can return refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. Plus, a happy and healthy you is a more productive and creative you – and that's a recipe for career success.

Download your FREE Career Success workbook now >>

Tip #4: Engage in proactive career management

I am a big believer that you absolutely need to work on your career and not just in it.

Turns out, A LOT (like WAY too many) people sort of “fell into” their careers. It doesn’t mean they don’t like their careers or that that they wish they were doing something else but for many, it does mean that once they fell into it they sort of “set it and forget it” and now they find themselves sort of just “in” it.

They have no real goals set, no idea how to grow, they’re unclear on what next steps might even be available to them. There’s also the people who work really hard to get a particular job title and then once they’re there have no idea how to continue growing, how to keep the work fulfilling.

They often think that getting into the job was the end game and now they’ll be ushered along a primrose path of growth by their superiors….. nuh unh.

Your career is just like any other relationship, you have to work on it. How’s does one do that exactly? Welp, here’s the breakdown of the system I use with my clients:

Explore what you REALLY want to do (in your heart of hearts)
Make the decision of THIS IS THE THING (for at least right now)
Outline what growth you want and BY WHEN
Make sure you work somewhere your goals can be met, you can learn from and has clear growth opportunities.
Work WITH your management team to make those milestones.
Repeat steps 1-5 as many times as you feel necessary.

But the most important thing is to remember that you have to begin with the end in mind.

Tip #5: Take time for self-assessment

While I am not a fan or user of career assessments and tests, I do think it’s important to take a moment to identify your strengths, weaknesses and career goals.

I start my work with all my 1:1 clients by having them assess their foundation. Basically who they are, what they want, what they’re good at, want to do and don’t want to do but also, what they need their work to do.

Here’s 3 questions to get you started:

What skills do you want to use daily?
How do you work best?
What do you want to get out of your work?

Want more help?: Check out the details here.

Tip #6: Continuously learn new skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Skill development is crucial to Career Advancement. The second you stop learning is the moment you stop advancing.

Skilling up obviously keeps you relevant in a rapidly changing job market because new skills open doors to new opportunities and promotions. Staying updated on industry trends helps you anticipate changes and stay ahead of the competition.

It boosts your problem-solving abilities and makes you a more valuable asset to any organization. Learning new things also fosters creativity and innovation, essential for driving success. Investing in yourself through continuous learning is an investment in your future career advancement.

Tip #7: Build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals

I know I’m a broken record but there is nothing more important than networking.

Networking is the fundamental tool for job search success. I know, I know. You don’t love networking. It freaks you out. But it’s absolutely necessary.

Here’s where you’ll really start to put your career advancement plans to work.

Of course, this will take some time and requires that you actually reach out to people, but consider this simple process:

know your Ideal Job
know where the role exists
find someone who either currently is connected to the organization you’re interested in
or find someone who can get you connected to someone on the inside
ask them for a referral, interview, conversation or connection

Once you’re done, you’ll be well on your way to having the right conversation with the right person.

Tip #8 Develop a strong professional image.

“Personal Branding” as a way of standing out is another way to get a leg up in your career path. It’s all about crafting a unique identity that showcases your skills, experience, and values. Imagine your brand as a powerful magnet attracting the right opportunities. When you have a strong personal brand, people know exactly what you stand for and why they should choose you.

You want to open doors to new connections, career advancements and interesting projects and that’s where personal branding comes in.

Building a strong personal brand takes time and effort, but the rewards are immense. It boosts your confidence, helps you network effectively and positions you as an industry expert.

Remember, your brand is a reflection of you, so make sure it authentically represents who you are.

One final tip

These tips only work if you work them! All the knowledge in the world won’t get you the results you want if you don’t act on them.

If you want to learn more about Career Advancement, check out the following additional resources:

Additional resources

More resources to help you out:

Blog Posts

Ebooks and PDFs [or other free resources]

Podcasts

Webinars & Workshops

Websites

Additional Resources

Click here to download your FREE Career Success Workbook

And if you want more help with your personal Career Advancement plans, the best place to reach me these days is by booking a free consult call.

Yours in ‘all things advancement’ goodness,

EBS

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EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types

ebsanders.com

ebs@ebsanders.com

Unsatisfied with your work? Start HERE now!

Career Advancement: The Only Guide You Need

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