Getting Ahead - Tips from an Outplacement Firm

What experts think are the best ways for employees to advance in their careers. This is based on a survey of 346 firms and % is the % of responses to each factor. Multi response was allowed.

- acquire or update skills, knowledge and ability 67%
- build and keep in touch with a career network 64% (this is possibly what differentiates those that climb the corporate ladder from those that don't)
- volunteer for challenging and visible opportunities 41% (this is one way to develop skills that may not come from the job you have. if you want strategic planning experience, go volunteer for a not-for-profit that is going through a planning cycle.)
- identify and communicate career goals 34% (it is extremely important that your boss and boss's boss know what you want to do, your goals and aspirations)
- identify and learn from mentors and role models 32% (it is smart to learn from one's own mistakes but it is smarter to learn from other peoples'. Your mentors can help you avoid pitfalls)
- perform your job in an exemplary manner 29% (be the best you can be)
- project a positive professional image 27% (dress not for your current job but for the one you plan to have next)
- learn how to learn from experience 21%

Disclaimer: Source unknown. I was cleaning up the materials that accompanied home after my last day at work and came across a cutting from some magazine. The comments in the parenthesis are mine.