The Spark
Do you ever feel like the only way to progress in your career is to get into management, but it doesn’t excite you? Do you wish there were clearer pathways with exciting progression options for individual contributors (ICs) like yourself? You’re not alone.
We’ve been taught that hierarchies and managers determine our progress and that we have little influence over what our path looks like.
Instead of buying into this idea and feeling bored and directionless, I want to share what has worked for many professionals, myself included.
The Idea
Think of your job title and description as starting points and tasks lists, rather than final destinations. Someone put them on paper for what they thought they needed. Then you came along, ticked many of the boxes and brought extra ideas, skills, and experiences they didn’t expect but are now glad to have.
Time to do something with that and shape your job. Here are some examples:
If you’re a data analyst and dataviz designer with a passion for software development, that “extra bit” could be turning your next dashboard into a custom mobile app experience that blows your stakeholders away.
If you’re a data architect with experience in data governance, redesign processes to improve the way data is handled in your organisation.
And in any technical role, bringing strong business knowledge (industry-based or functional) is always a big big plus and a way to join new conversations and decision making processes.
The Action
Being an individual contributor isn’t and never should be a flat-line for career progression. Some organisations are great at providing exciting pathways, while others let you fend for yourself.
No matter what your environment is like, here’s what I’d love you to do next:
Spend the next 5 minutes brainstorming 5 things you want to do as part of your job that would bring more joy to your workday and would help your organisation make the most of the skills and experiences you bring.
Have a great week!
Eva
Here’s how you can take this further:
If you’re ready to step it up, I’ve got two coaching slots open starting from May 20th. Book your discovery call and let’s talk about how you can tackle your career progression with the support I offer.