Are you new to light industrial work and wondering how to climb the career ladder? Whether you’re an operations employee for a large distributor or you work for a small, family-owned warehouse, the road to career advancement depends on you.
Consider these 4 tips to get you started on the path the success:
Set Goals
It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day and forget about the bigger picture. Take a lesson from employers who post the company goals in the breakroom, by the timeclock, even in the restrooms. Write down your next career goal and put it somewhere you’ll see it often. Be as specific as possible to increase your chances of taking the steps necessary to make your dream a reality.
Grow Your Strengths
Once you set your sights on a promotion, learn what skills are necessary to earn the role. Hopefully, you’ll have the chance to develop some of those skills in your current position. Does your team have a specific weakness? See if you can develop an ability to fill in that crack. You’ll set yourself up for future success and help strengthen your team.
Show Initiative
If you perform well in your current role and feel like you could be doing more, ask your supervisor for development opportunities. Maybe you can create training materials, volunteer for a company project, or lead a huddle. Look for ways to solve problems on the job; don’t just report issues and wait for instruction. If you have an idea for a solution, there’s no harm in making a suggestion. Gaining a reputation as a problem-solver can work in your favor later.
Raise Your Hand
When you feel you’re ready to for a promotion, ask for some time with your boss to discuss how you can move ahead. After all, your career goals are your responsibility. Take ownership of them and raise your hand. Your boss may not have a promotion plan for you, but asking for advancement opportunities guarantees you’ll be top-of-mind. Consider keeping a record of extra responsibilities, work contributions, and new skills, and use it to support your request. If there isn’t an immediate advancement offer, ask for a list of job requirements for the next step on the career ladder and set a path to continue climbing.
Looking for a new career opportunity or a warehouse promotion? The Wood Companies are here to connect you with top Northern Indiana/Southwestern Michigan employers who can offer career advancement. Contact us today to learn more!
