Q: I will be graduating with my BS in Marketing in May. I’ve been with my current employer for 7 years. How do I get them to recognize my new accomplishment and consider me for promotion and upward movement within the company?
A: Congratulations on the imminent minting of your degree! The timing is perfect for you to schedule a meeting with your boss and take the lead on a new kind of performance review where you articulate your value add to the company.
So few people take the time to show their bosses what they are doing well and the reality is that most supervisors are so busy with their own work they don’t have a realistic understanding of what you are doing to distinguish yourself in the organization.
The key is humble confidence – approach the meeting without arrogance or a bragging mindset but simply an opportunity to illustrate what you do well. The new degree should be at the top of your list and be sure to mention relevant courses that have empowered you to be successful in your current position. Perhaps you have gone above and beyond on a particular project or exceeded quotas in a given time period – now is the time to talk about these successes as well.
Consider putting together a brief portfolio that illustrates your message with examples of what you have done, new skills, and the completion of your degree. If you are serious about staying with this company, create a game plan to show your boss how you want to grow your career there. Give specific ideas about how your talents could be used in the company and be sure to articulate your 7 year loyalty to the organization and your interest in taking on new challenges to earn upward mobility.
By scheduling a good news appointment with your boss, you will have his/her undivided attention when you share your accomplishment portfolio and future promotion track plan. Have your hard copy portfolio to leave behind so your boss can share it with the powers that be in the organization. Be an empowered employee by taking the steering wheel of your career car. It’s perfectly acceptable to talk about what you do well and propose a plan for personal growth. The proactive individual often gets promoted faster than others who wait to be recognized. Go for it!
