How to Advance your Business Career

Business Career Advancement Essentials

Most business professionals, aside from working toward their company’s mission and goals, are ultimately concerned with progressing their careers into executive levels of leadership. While there is no definite blueprint for success, there are essential steps to business career advancement you can take to ensure that you make it to the top of the list whenever the next promotion becomes available.

Build Relationships and Network

According to economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett, locating a “sponsor” in the workplace is the first step in cultivating working relationships that are sure to bolster your career. Hewlett says that, unlike a mentor, sponsors do much more than just recommend the best ways to excel in the office. They introduce you to people who can help you make a difference while navigating the useful networks outside of the company as well. Hewlett suggests finding someone in upper-level administration with similar ambitions to identify and imitate the steps they took to get ahead.

Work Smarter, Simpler

In order to get the most out of your career, it is essential that you know your business incredibly well. Anticipating issues before they become problems is one way to get noticed. Not only will you save your bosses a series of headaches, but you might also save them some money too. Additionally, establishing a track record for success in your current position is an indicator that you have the confidence and capability to do well in positions of more responsibility. While the opportunity to do something extraordinary is rarely presented, the opportunity to consistently contribute and produce quality work is a daily occurrence. Working smarter just means taking advantage of the everyday successes that accumulate to help you create a positive reputation.

Invest in Your Education

Before you even start working, an impressive academic record will help you to stand out from the rest of the applications that arrive at a hiring manager’s desk. By taking business-related courses that focus on career progression and development, you can show future employers that you’ve taken the initiative not only to credential yourself but also to improve the skills necessary for success.

Lawrence Technological University also offers an online MBA program to help you achieve your business career goals and secure leadership positions. Click the link to learn more about the LTU online Master of Business Administration.