How to Work Towards a Promotion: Asking in Advance
As Engineers we are all somewhat ambitious, given that we were willing to put ourselves through a gruelling four-year degree to work 12-hour days hundreds of kilometres from home. So, it’s fair to say that we all have an appetite for career progression and accepting more responsibility.
Well, there is nothing wrong with that!
In fact, it is healthy and a great source of motivation to keep focussed on what can be a very demanding job. All Engineers should be looking at the role of Project Manager with all the responsibility and accountability of the project on their shoulders and strive to develop the competency to reach that level.
Now, there is a key difference from being ambitious to being impatient or worse, being arrogant. Trying to rise through the ranks too quickly can result in you being promoted to your level of incompetence. Companies would prefer a great Site Engineer over a Project Engineer out of their depth. There is a baseline speed of career progression that cannot be rushed because you can learn faster but you can only gain experience at the same pace. Seniority in Construction is a mix of talent and experience, both important.
While there is merit to patience in career progression, by no means do I suggest you just sit back and wait for it to happen. No one will care about your career and progression more than you. Even the greatest boss ever still has a hundred other things on their mind other than your career. It is your duty to manage your own career, at every stage of your career.
Ask in advance.
For example, if you are a Site Engineer, see your Project Manager to say;
“The next step in my career is becoming a Project Engineer. I want to make sure I am developing the right skills and competencies to become a PE. What are your expectations of a PE and what further experience do I need, or skills do I need to develop to get there?”
This will allow the PM to set the goal posts for you. Now all you need to do is kick. This ensures that your efforts are aligned with the PM’s expectations. It also will prevent the issue of the goal posts moving every time you reach them.
Do not wait for a yearly review. Be proactive and have the conversation with your PM. Then work hard to meet the goals. Your PM will appreciate it because they will be able to shape your efforts to make you a better Engineer and consequently contribute more to the project.
Key Take-Aways
Skills can be learned quickly but experience cannot be rushed. Career progression takes time.
Your career is your responsibility, and you must be proactive.
Discuss your ambition to progress to the next level and ask what there expectations are for that next level. Let them set the goal posts
Kick through the goal posts. Now you know the expectations, target your efforts to meet them.
Your PM can be your partner not your gate-keeper. You becoming a better Engineer is good for your PM too. Work together.
