Let me tell you the bitter truth, working toward promotion is a lengthy process that can take anything from a few months to years but wait.

"You can accelerate your professional development by finding a mentor."

Look for a developer who has already progressed to the next level.

Software engineering is a synonym for constant learning.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to be promoted?

But only a few understand with a promotion there are:

• More responsibilities
• More compensation
• More you need to learn new skills you didn’t anticipate learning

STEP 1- Responsibilities come first, then the promotion.

• Taking on additional responsibilities in light of future opportunities as an employee is critical.

For e.g.→ Want to become a senior Developer.

Be a senior dev in your responsibilities & actions, & then you’ll become one.

STEP 2- Communicate expectations.

"Managing expectations of your boss is a difficult task for people."

• Growth is determined by how well you communicate your goals & manage expectations to the best of your ability.

Tip: Ask the boss to create an individual development plan.

STEP 3- Use (But Don’t Overuse) Independence

You might be top performers who still don’t get promoted. ↓

"You may be too Independent"

Bosses do not always view independence as a positive trait. Because you are so productive, they may tolerate it politely but never reward it.

STEP 4- Make it a win-win

"Promotions are not based on multiple-choice exams with only one correct answer and are graded by a machine."

People decide on promotions.

If an employee wishes to negotiate a pay raise, it's helpful to remember the work expected of them & evaluate.

STEP 5 - Never lack professionalism

How you act in the presence of coworkers is just as important, if not more so, than how you act in the presence of management.

A quick question to you:

Would you promote anyone who is consistently negative about the team & company?

STEP 6- Talk to people who are in the position you want to be

Talking to seniors is a good way for new graduates or junior developers to avoid mistakes & understand what skills they need to focus on to one day reach a seniority level.

In life, nothing happens by accident.

STEP 7- Don't be afraid to look elsewhere.

Despite your best efforts, there are times when the timing is simply not right.

It's often easier to advance your career by joining a new company rather than staying with your current one.

It's time for a change!

Bonus Tip: Break it down

By breaking down the task of your promotion, you will find the interdependencies and be able to stay on track much more successfully.

"Never get so caught up in the promotion that you forget about your overall career path and goals"

Thanks for reading.

If you’re a regular reader, thank you, you’re a big part of the reason I’ve been able to share my life/career experiences with you.

Connect with me on Twitter