Smart Skills
Fast forward
Usha Albuquerque

Satish is a Project Manager with a large software development company. With an MCA, seven years work experience and an excellent track record, Satish is doing well in his career. But, he feels, it is not growing fast enough. He would like to move to the next step up the ladder, but this is not happening. It used to be that if you excelled in your current job, you automatically moved into your boss’s job. But this is no longer the case.

In the new working world, to move up you must demonstrate that you can be successful in the next job for which you want to apply. Moreover with the air of uncertainty that permeates even the biggest of organizations, you may not have a life long career in one organization, and loyalty may not earn you the promotion you rightly deserve - an outsider may come in to fill the gap of your boss!

True, career growth now comes more from acquiring new skills, experience and contacts. You need to show, by actually performing in advance some of the activities and responsibilities that are part of that job. In doing so you not only demonstrate your willingness to assume the position you are seeking, but also your ability to do so.

Today’s career trajectory is not about moving up through the ranks to the top in one organization, but about acquiring new expertise and knowledge, and possibly, a bagful of connections that can help you weave your way up through any organization. So what can you do to build a career for yourself — working in many different roles in the same organization or with a variety of employers.

The first thing to remember is that knowledge commands success. You must continuously upgrade your knowledge, not only about your job but also appropriate information that may be required in your next job. If you look around your office you will notice that there are many jobs which may interest you, but for which you lack the job skills. Keep up with the latest trends in your field, either through the formal course of study, or sometimes even by volunteering to work on assignments outside your area, and so picking up new skills that can come in handy at any later stage.

One way to learn new skills is to take note of what others are doing, ask questions, take notes and absorb whatever information you can. Often others are willing to have you help them with certain tasks, and this volunteer work can help you pick up skills and learn on the job, particularly if you get to work on projects where you get to learn and develop new skills. An informal apprenticeship, working with a senior, will enable you to learn from someone willing to teach you. All such experiences are valuable to add to your portfolio of abilities, and your career. The other way is to take up formal training — an MBA, if you don’t already, have one - is a great way to move ahead in one big leap. Of course, you need to ensure your programme is from a reputed institute; otherwise it can be just a waste of time and money. Workshops, courses relevant to your area of expertise, certification and other continuing education programmes can also help you with knowledge and skills that will help you move faster up the ladder.

Many corporate leaders will tell you that what has helped them get to the top was attaching themselves to a guide or guru who helped them navigate their way through the narrow office lanes on their journey to success. Attach yourself to someone up above you in the hierarchy, someone you respect and admire. Listen to his stories - occasionally even his boasts, or pet peeves!. In return, you will get his advice, his contacts and networking, and most of all, support to boost you up the ladder. Everyone in Hollywood has someone who's been there, knows the right people, and can and will make the call that pushes you up the ladder. The corporate world is no different. In fact, it is believed that you really can't get ahead if you don't have someone ahead of you working the angles for you.

Be on good terms with all your colleagues, senior and junior. There will always be people who will be envious of your success, play politics and try and put you down. You may have people who yell at you, demean your abilities, or boss you around even though you're a lot smarter than they are. But that's totally normal in the workplace. Be prepared for the downs, which will come more often than the ups. But unless you have an excellent alternative — a better way to pay your bills and fulfill your dreams — it is wise to keep your cool. It takes a lot of forbearance and swallowing of pride, but it's worth it in the long run. Keep your eyes on the goal ahead, stay focused on the long-term goal you have in mind, and try to ignore the little detours on the way. Just keep in mind a question, "Will this in any way get me closer to where I want to be?" If the answer is "yes," then you know what to do.

Most of all remember, you are your own largest asset. Make good use of it and you will certainly move ahead. Be good at your work and stand out for the excellence of your output. Let people know you by the quality of your labors and work product. There are so few good workers out there that you will soon make a name for yourself. Moreover, be willing to put in that extra effort, if the work demands it. There is such as dearth of initiative and a willingness to strive for perfection, that being proactive can certainly take you places.

And finally keep in mind that we're judged by how we look. If we're ridiculously sloppy or dirty, if our clothes are old and tattered, if our hair is a weird color or shape, we will make a bad impression. People assume you're what you look like, so appear at your best all of the time. Wear clean clothes. Stand straight. Look alert and business like. No piercings, tattoos and ponytails. Look like a businessperson, always neat and clean and well organized. You don't have to wear Prada. You just have to look good.

In our effort to stay ahead we need to prepare today to land the best jobs of tomorrow. In the competition for talent, employers will be more selective, focussing on quality and newer characteristics. So keeping a step ahead will ensure you are there when the promotion call is received!.