Tips for Proactive Career Growth

I spent too many years thinking my boss was responsible for my career. Or the company. Or a magical fairy godmother. I thought it was everyone else’s job to advocate for me. To push me. To help me advance and grow. And I completely missed the fact that it was me. It was always ME. Our job is to be the biggest advocate for our careers. We are in the driver’s seat. And we can’t take a back seat and expect someone else to do the driving. Here are ten ways to start advocating for your career not tomorrow, TODAY: 1️⃣ Take a seat at front of the table, not at the back of the room. Be visible. Log onto that Zoom early, make sure people know you are there. Don’t shrink to the corner of the screen or room. 2️⃣ Raise your hand 🙋🏾♀️ Ask that question. Show you’re engaged and thoughtful and there to contribute. I always ask a question early on in the meeting to build my confidence to contribute more later. 3️⃣ Ask to be put on that assignment Make sure you are working on assignments that are priorities for the company. Especially in this market. 4️⃣ Coach your peers on their work You don’t have to have direct reports to have influence. Guide peers who ask for your help: position yourself for the next level by acting like you are at the next level. 5️⃣ Build a career development plan If your boss won’t help you do this, ask a colleague to be a sounding boarding or a friend outside of work. Understand what your goals are this year and what you want your next two roles to be. 6️⃣ Focus on one new skill you want to build What’s one new skill you want to learn that can help with your career growth? Pick it and commit to it. Block 30 minutes on your calendar daily to work on it. Make this time non negotiable. 7️⃣ Take credit for your work Even if they won’t let you in that meeting, share what you are working on with others. Whether that’s it in 1:1 conversations or in team meetings, make sure you let others know the impact you are making. 8️⃣ Get meaningful feedback If your boss keeps saying you’re killing it or avoids giving your feedback, ask others. Show up with what you think your strengths are and areas of opportunity to get their reactions. 9️⃣ Keep a track of your wins Start a Google doc or grab a notebook, and down all of your wins and the end of every month. This makes it easier to do your self evaluation during performance review time and update your resume. 🔟 Always have your resume ready Whether you are looking for internal or external, always have your resume ready. And make sure it’s not saved on your work lap, especially in this market where layoffs are happening every day. How do you advocate for yourself at work? #leadership #culture #inclusion #MitaMallick

Don’t Wait to Be Discovered—Move with Intention, Not Permission! If you’re a business analysis professional waiting for someone to hand you your next opportunity, it’s time to flip the script. Career growth doesn’t come from waiting in the wings—it comes from stepping into the arena. That means volunteering for stretch assignments, raising your hand for new initiatives, pursuing certifications, and proactively shaping your path. Here are 3 smart steps to start building a career that moves you forward: 🔹 Be visible. Join professional communities, speak up in meetings, and showcase your work. People can’t support your growth if they don’t know what you’re capable of. 🔹 Keep learning. Whether it’s formal education, self-paced courses, or real-world projects—stay curious and build the skills that tomorrow’s roles will demand. 🔹 Pursue aligned opportunities. Not every open door leads somewhere meaningful. Be intentional about roles and projects that align with the impact you want to make. Early in my career, I took initiative by reaching out to a young organization called IIBA. That single action led to decades of opportunity—volunteering, leading the development of BABOK Guide, v3 shaping numerous global standards, and mentoring professionals across the world. Your next step won’t look exactly like mine—but the principle is the same. Own your career. Explore, contribute, and be endlessly curious. This profession rewards those who take initiative. 👉 For inspiration on how business analysis can lead to incredible, diverse opportunities, check out my latest feature in IIBA’s Business Analysis Blueprint: https://lnkd.in/gfpAXihA 👉 And if you're ready to take action, my course Building a Successful Business Analysis Career on LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start. Let’s stop waiting for doors to open—and start building our careers, because you already hold the keys. I’m tagging a few outstanding business analysis mentors and coaches (and there are many) who can help you reach your career goals. Follow them, connect with their work, and explore their LinkedIn Learning courses, books, and podcasts —they’re valuable voices in our field. We’re part of an incredible community. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we grow, lead, and thrive together. Angela Wick Jamie Champagne Laura Brandenburg, ACBA, CBAP Yulia Kosarenko Susan A. Moore, CBAP, AAC, PMI-PBA, PMI-ACP #BusinessAnalysis #BusinessAnalyst #IIBA #CareerDevelopment 

It's easy freak out about the job market right now. But, there is a silver lining in all of this uncertainty. The smart move? Use this time to invest in yourself. I learned this the hard way, wasting too much time trying to make a move during the Great Recession and getting no results. At first, I panicked. Then I realized the job market was completely out of my control and decided to focus on something that wasn't: Expanding my skillset and getting a new certification. ⭐Within 10 months, I was promoted from recruiting to leading PR and external affairs. ⭐Within 4 years, I was recruited to a dream job Bottom line: This isn't the time to just sit back and relax. And panicking won't help. When the job market turns (and it will!) you want to be ready to go. Here's what to do now to set yourself up for success: 1️⃣ Create Your Own Opportunities ↳ Volunteer for high-visibility projects ↳ Solve problems nobody owns yet ↳ Document your wins meticulously 2️⃣ Build Strategic Relationships ↳ Network across departments and externally ↳ Find mentors who challenge your thinking ↳ Be the go-to person others count on for something specific 3️⃣ Learn In-Demand Skills ↳ Master data analysis and visualization ↳ Build AI savvy and experience ↳ Pick up tools to manage complex projects 4️⃣ Develop As A Thought Leader ↳ Share insights from your daily work ↳ Write internal newsletters or reports ↳ Present at team meetings consistently 5️⃣ Volunteer in Your Community ↳ Search for organizations aligned with your values ↳ Find out what help they need most ↳ Take on a leadership role to make connections or build skills 6️⃣ Teach Others ↳ Choose something you genuinely enjoy ↳ Take a deep dive into it so you can teach it to others ↳ Check out community centers, and local colleges for adjunct roles 7️⃣ Start a Side Gig ↳ What can you do that others can't or won't? ↳ Let friends, family and neighbors know what you're doing ↳ Ask people to refer you and share testimonials on social media 💡Career growth isn't just about changing jobs. It's about owning your own professional development. ♻️ Share to help others grow professionally. 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career insights. 📌 Need help with your growth strategy? DM me to chat.

Most career advice is outdated. Here’s what actually matters in 2025. I wish I had known these earlier in my career. 1/ "Work Hard" Isn't Enough 💡 30 min of daily planning. → Work on the right things, not everything. 2/ No Job is "Safe" Anymore 💡Create multiple income streams. → Think like a business, not an employee. 3/ Skills Have Expiration Dates 💡 Read 20min daily. → Master 1 emerging skill per quarter. 4/ Trust Professional Boundaries 💡 Work relationships are professional, not personal. → Build friendships outside your team. 5/ Follow Skills, Not Dreams 💡 List your top 3 marketable talents. → Use them to solve real problems. 6/ Your Energy is Your Asset 💡Set non-negotiable boundaries. → Create recovery rituals daily. 7/ Relationships Open Doors 💡Connect with 2 new people weekly. → Give value before asking for favors. 8/ Growth Requires Movement 💡 Update your LinkedIn monthly. → Learn one new tool each quarter. 9/ Balance is a Daily Choice 💡Block 1 hour for deep work daily. → Turn off notifications after 7pm. 10/ Job Hunting is a Skill 💡Join 2 industry groups now. → Share proof of work & results portfolio. 11/Your Growth is Your Job 💡 Track your wins every Friday. → Ask for feedback monthly. 12/Success Needs Allies 💡 Thank someone daily. → Help one colleague each week. 🎯 Start Here: 1. Pick the truth that made you nod. 2. Try it for 7 days. 3. Come back and share what changed. Which one speaks to you?⇣ ♻️ Share this to help others thrive today. 🔔 Follow me (Loren Rosario - Maldonado, PCC) for more.

When I first started at my company, I was eager to take on more responsibilities but hesitant to speak up. I worried that my request might be seen as overreaching. Then, a mentor gave me invaluable advice: "Opportunities are rarely given; they’re taken." This changed everything for me. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my journey to help you leap: ➙ Self-Assessment 📝: Before asking for more, evaluate your current workload. Are you consistently meeting your deadlines and excelling in your tasks? This will show that you're ready for additional responsibilities. ➙ Identify Areas for Growth 🔍: Look for gaps in your team or company where you can add value. It could be a project that's been neglected or a new initiative that aligns with your skills. ➙ Prepare Your Case 📊: Approach your manager with a clear plan. Highlight your achievements, explain how you can contribute more, and detail the benefits to the team and company. ➙ Show Enthusiasm and Commitment 💪: Demonstrate your passion for growth. Enthusiasm is contagious and shows that you're genuinely invested in your role and the company's success. ➙Be Ready for Challenges 🚀: Taking on more means stepping out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to tackle new challenges and show resilience. After implementing these steps, I not only got the additional responsibilities I wanted but also gained the trust and respect of my colleagues and superiors. My career growth skyrocketed, and I felt more fulfilled in my role. Big Lesson: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Take charge of your career by proactively seeking out more responsibilities. You'll grow, learn, and stand out as a proactive, driven professional. How Do You Go About It? 📞Regularly communicate with your manager about your career aspirations. 📞Seek feedback and use it to improve continuously. 📞Network within your company to identify potential growth opportunities. Have you successfully asked for more responsibilities? Share your experiences and tips below! Let’s inspire each other to take control of our career paths. 🚀 ————————————————————————— Meeting me for the first time? I’m Rudy Malle, a clinical researcher dedicated to improving public health outcomes, and a career advisor helping ordinary professionals take their careers to the next level to enhance visibility for individuals and companies. #CareerAdvancement #ProfessionalGrowth #TakeTheLead #WorkplaceTips #CareerAdvice #LinkedInCommunity #personaldevelopment #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #rudyhacks

🔥 Your Career, Your Responsibility! 🔥 Here’s the blunt reality: relying on others to acknowledge your dedication and effort won’t propel you forward. As a senior sales manager, I’ve seen firsthand how taking ownership of your career can make a difference in career progression. But I’ve also seen what happens when you don’t—and it’s a lesson worth sharing. Take one of my team members, for example. She had the perfect 5-year career plan—mapped out with skill development milestones and a supportive mentor. But there was one missing piece: she didn’t take ownership. She waited. 💼 Waited for her annual review to hopefully be recognized for her hard work. 📧 Waited for the hiring manager to approach her when internal positions opened up. And while she waited, her peers surged ahead—getting promoted and building momentum in their careers. Why? 🤔 Because she relied on others to notice her efforts instead of claiming her seat at the table. 🌟 She didn’t proactively build new skills. 🌟 She didn’t showcase her potential to do more. 🌟 She didn’t advocate for herself Here’s the reality: no one will hand you your dream job on a silver platter. YES—organizations should create pathways for growth, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to take charge of your career. Don’t be the one who gets passed over. 💡 Here’s how to take ownership and claim your next big step: 1️⃣ Ask for Clarity. Talk to your manager and ask what’s needed to advance. Show them you’re serious. 2️⃣ Develop Key Skills. Dive into books, podcasts, certifications, and workshops. Invest in yourself! 3️⃣ Leverage Your Network. Reach out to mentors, sponsors, or peers for guidance and introductions. 4️⃣ Step Into Visibility. Volunteer for stretch assignments and share your wins (don’t keep your successes a secret!). 5️⃣ Advocate for Yourself. Apply for internal opportunities and make it clear you’re ready to level up. ✨ The truth is, no one is more invested in your career than you. Stop waiting for opportunities to land in your lap. Start taking action to create the career you deserve. 💡 What’s one bold move you’ll make this week to take charge of your career? Let’s share strategies and inspire each other in the comments! 💬 -------- Like this post? Want to see more? 🔔 Ring My Profile Bell & Follow Are you ready to take your career to the next level? 👋🏼 Hi, I’m Danielle. I work with medical and aesthetic sales professionals to take their careers to the next level and build a career and life they love. ✅ Boost your sales and earn Presidents Club ✅ Attract your dream job and excel in your next interview ✅ Promote into a leadership position ✅ Apply your skills and build a thriving business 👉 Click on my profile to book an appointment and take your career to the next level. #careerdevelopment #careergoals #medicalsales #leadershipfirst #careeradvice

The best promotions don't go to the most talented people. I’ve worked with thousands of professionals in my career. If there’s anything I’ve noticed after a decade in tech, it’s the fact that the promotions and high-visibility projects go to those with advocates. Here are the key reasons why advocates are essential for career growth (and some practical tips to gain and nurture them) 🔵 Advocates amplify your visibility. ↳ They talk about your achievements to others. This spreads your name and work beyond your immediate circle. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: If you’re a heads down person like me, it’s time to lift your head up to build relationships with colleagues and mentors who can vouch for your skills and contributions. 🔵 Advocates provide opportunities. ↳ They recommend you for projects and roles. This opens doors that you might not even know exist. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Show your value consistently so that advocates feel confident in recommending you. 🔵 Advocates build your credibility. ↳ They lend their reputation to yours. This enhances your professional standing and trustworthiness. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Maintain integrity and professionalism to ensure advocates are proud to support you. 🔵 Advocates ensure your efforts are recognized. ↳ They make sure your hard work is seen by decision-makers.This leads to promotions and career advancement. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Document your achievements and share them with your advocates regularly. Bonus: 🔵 Advocates help you build a network. ↳ They introduce you to influential people. This expands your professional connections and opportunities. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Your network is one of the most valuable things you’ll take with you in your career. Don’t let these opportunities go to waste! Seize the opportunity to build strong advocates and supercharge your career in the final months of 2024. If you’re not sure where to find your first advocate, try building a good relationship with your manager. Here’s my FREE LinkedIn Learning Course that can help you turn your managers into your #1 advocates: https://lnkd.in/gPXXNckd 💬 What are your obstacles when it comes to finding advocates at work?

Career tip for those Early in Career: ✨a series ✨ Advocating for yourself in the workplace is essential for career growth and success. Here are 4 key things to know (and what I’ve learned through my own journey thus far): 1️⃣ Speak Up with Confidence Your perspective matters! Don’t hesitate to share your ideas or insights during meetings or discussions. Advocating for your contributions not only highlights your value but also builds your confidence over time. To do this, you don’t have to block other people’s voice — part of this skill is knowing when, where and how to speak up. Mastering this will set you apart. 2️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries Know your limits and communicate them. Whether it’s managing workload or addressing unrealistic expectations, advocating for your well-being helps maintain balance and ensures you can deliver your best work. I’ve found when I’m super overwhelmed it shows in how I communicate — taking a step back with clear boundaries will do more good for you. 3️⃣ Track and Showcase Your Achievements Keep a record of your wins—big or small. Highlighting your accomplishments during performance reviews or casual conversations with your manager (peers, other leaders) this demonstrates your impact and sets you up for opportunities. 4️⃣ Build a Support Network Advocacy isn't a solo journey. Build relationships with mentors, sponsors, allies, and peers who can amplify your voice and advocate for you when you're not in the room. 💡Advocacy is about finding your voice and ensuring it’s heard in a way that aligns with your values and goals. It’s a skill worth mastering! What are your top tips for self-advocacy? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. ⬇️ #theBOLDjourney #EarlyInCareer

I wish I’d started tracking my career achievements earlier. It’s a simple habit: spend 15-20 minutes each week noting 3 things related to your job: Achievements, Challenges, and Learnings. Don’t forget to make this note on your personal computer, or if you’re old school like me, go analog with a trusty notebook! 📖 There are a few reasons why this practice can benefit you: 🕑 When review time rolls around, you’ve got your list of what you’ve achieved and areas you want to grow in to help make the case for promotions, raises & development opportunities. 📄 If you find yourself suddenly in the midst of a #layoff, you’ll have a very solid record of exactly what you achieved and the impact you brought, which will help you greatly in updating your #resume. 📊 If you practice this habit regularly, it can provide insightful data about your career path that you may not have considered, had you not been paying attention. But why wait for a job loss to update your resume? Instead, update your resume once per quarter – if your company does quarterly reviews, this is a great time to do it. Even if they don’t (I’m looking at YOU, early stage #startups!!), why not schedule this time for yourself? 📣 No one will ever care as much about your career as you, so be proactive about highlighting and documenting how awesome you are. It’s never too late to start, and it will serve you well throughout your career!

Are you leaving your career growth in someone else's hands? For years, I thought hard work alone was the key to career success. --> Work hard. --> Keep my head down. --> Wait my turn. Then, a promotion or new opportunity would magically appear. Right? Wrong. I remember feeling stuck in my role, watching others move ahead while I kept doing “all the right things," yet getting nowhere. It was frustrating—until I finally realized: 💡 Career growth isn’t just about working hard. It’s about working strategically. Hard work makes you qualified, but visibility gets you chosen. Opportunities aren't given—they're created. If I could go back and give my younger self advice, I’d say: ✦ Speak up about your ambitions. Don’t assume people know what you want or will automatically reward your hard work. ✦ Build relationships with decision-makers and influencers. Turn them into vocal advocates to champion your growth. ✦ Stop waiting for permission to level up. Create opportunities to gain greater responsibility, and take control of your career path. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, stuck, or stagnant, know this: ✨ Your career growth isn’t in someone else’s hands. It’s in yours. Your turn to share: What’s one career lesson you learned the hard way? 👇Drop it in the comments to help someone who needs to hear it! #CareerDevelopment #CareerGrowth #Leadership #EmpoweredByAnne #CareerCoach