Start by asking your manager, or another trusted leader in your organization, what skills and experiences are required for someone to be promoted at your company. You’re not directly asking for a promotion; you’re gathering insight. You can frame it as, “I’m interested in growing my career here. What skills or experiences should I focus on to prepare for a higher-level role like Superintendent or Director?”
If you can, find a mentor in another department at your current company. That may not always be realistic depending on your organization, but if possible, having someone who can help you navigate the company culture and provide candid advice can be invaluable. A mentor can also help you spot opportunities for visibility and growth that may not be obvious from your current vantage point.
You said in your post that you are getting additional education which is great. If that education is a degreed program, I strongly suggest taking advantage of any internal training programs your company has, if any.
Prioritize courses on people management, financial acumen, and conflict resolution. Leadership roles almost always require the ability to manage teams effectively, handle challenging conversations, and understand how decisions impact budgets and company performance.
Even if your current role doesn’t involve financial responsibilities, being able to read financial statements, build a budget, and speak the language of business will make you stand out when leadership opportunities open up.
Lastly, if your organization has cross-departmental projects or committees, volunteer for those. They’re excellent visibility opportunities and often serve as informal leadership auditions.
Good luck!
Share your insight
Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.
4 Comments
Join the conversation