Most Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are keen to climb the corporate ladder. According to a September 2023 Adobe survey of 1,011 individuals from this generation, 70% aspire to reach the C-suite.
Ryan Simonetti, CEO of Convene, a hospitality company with over $280 million in funding, suggests that those looking to advance in their careers take on projects beyond regular responsibilities, especially when the company faces challenges, citing "put your hand up."
What Is the Corporate Ladder?
The "corporate ladder" visualizes a company's job structure, where career progression is seen as moving up a ladder. It represents the hierarchy, with entry-level roles at the bottom and executive positions at the top. "Climbing the corporate ladder" means advancing within a company through promotions.
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Take a Chance, "Put Your Hand Up"
According to Simonetti, who shared insights with CNBC Make It at the Fast Company Innovation Festival, there is a perpetual shortage of people to handle all the tasks, especially in constantly growing organizations such as startups. By volunteering and taking on additional responsibilities or challenging projects, you contribute to solving immediate problems, which is precisely what these organizations require from their workforce. It places you in a favorable position for career advancement by showcasing your skills, dedication, and leadership potential.
Volunteering provides essential assistance and allows you to learn and acquire additional skills. According to Simonetti, those who have volunteered at Convene have consistently continued their learning journey, leading to professional opportunities. The attitude of wanting to learn, being curious, and being willing to put in the effort has proven highly beneficial, especially for young individuals at his company.
Promote Your Achievements
Make your accomplishments visible. Share your successes with supervisors and colleagues, ensuring they know your contributions.
Professional Development
Attend workshops, seminars, and industry events to expand your knowledge and enhance your professional skills.
Build a Personal Brand
Develop a positive professional image. Your reputation and how others perceive you can impact your opportunities for advancement.
Stay Committed and Patient
Stay committed to your goals, be patient, and recognize that success may involve gradual progress, as climbing the corporate ladder takes time.
Two Aspects of Being a Leader
According to Djenaba Parker from Goop, being a leader involves two aspects. Besides being a good leader, being a dedicated teammate is crucial. A good teammate actively identifies and addresses the organization's needs, taking on additional responsibilities to fill critical gaps. This benefits the team and earns respect from colleagues and higher-ups in hiring and promotions.
A company's culture can strongly impact how promotions are granted and who advances in their careers. Some companies prefer promoting employees who began their careers with the company and stayed loyal throughout. On the other hand, certain companies may favor professionals with success at other companies, offering them higher positions and salaries than their current roles.
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