How to progress in the corporate jungle
One of the reasons some people don’t get on in their career is because they feel the need to be too modest—a challenge that faces women in particular.
The truth of the matter is that ambition is nothing to be ashamed of. As I’m sure you say to colleagues, if you feel you have the skills to succeed, you should own them, be confident in yourself, and show those around you why you’re fit for high office.
| ...if you feel you have the skills to succeed, you should own them, be confident in yourself,... |
Of course, some people are simply arrogant, and that never yields good results. So the first thing to do is canvass the opinion of trusted colleagues, to make sure they agree with your self-assessment.
Find people whose opinions you value and ask them in confidence if they see in you what you see in yourself. If they do, then you’re probably right to be hungry for a greater challenge—your current role may not satisfy you for much longer.
The next question is how to get from here to where you want to be. Further study can be a good idea. For example, an MBA can be a very good investment, equipping you with crucial management and business planning skills while yielding a significant uplift in earning power.
MBAs don’t come cheap, mind you. You may feel that the financial and time commitment is simply too high, even with the promise of greater rewards in the long term. If so, I’d recommend looking into other forms of management qualification, such as a Masters in management, or a postgraduate certificate/diploma. Many universities offer part-time or online-only routes through such programmes, meaning you can continue to earn even as you enhance your CV.
If a return to university doesn’t inspire you, another way of developing both your skills and your personal insight is to work with a career mentor. This is a professional person who will get to know you and understand your aspirations. They will offer honest guidance and support, meaning you can trust their judgment and use them as a sounding board. Often, mentors identify particular skills in people that they didn’t even know they had. They can help you shape your career, and develop the skills and qualifications necessary to live your dreams.
Whatever you choose to do, my best advice is to talk to someone. Even if you’re dead set on leaving your current job, your senior managers will have sound advice about progression routes. Remember, they’ve been in just your position and will be interested in helping the next generation to thrive. And if you make your ambitions clear, they may even identify new opportunities in your current role to stimulate you and advance your skills.
When you’re ready to make the move to your next role, a recruitment consultant will be able to match your qualifications and talents against appropriate appointments, putting you forward for roles where you have a good chance of succeeding. This saves you from wasting time on applications that aren’t right, and gives you a further support network as you take your next steps.
So, be encouraged to pursue your professional dreams. Believe in yourself, take counsel from those you trust, and invest in your development. The rewards are there for the taking.
By Tim Gibson
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Published: 23 October 2025
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