How a Microsoft Engineer Advanced Her Career Rapidly
I discovered the art of career progression through trial and error.
Upon joining Microsoft as a fresh graduate in April 2019, I believed that simply excelling in my tasks would naturally lead to promotions without the need for open discussions about my career ambitions with my manager.
However, this passive stance often results in a misunderstanding between you and leadership about your career drive.
That's a lesson I missed in my initial year, yet I've successfully climbed the ranks four times over the next five years.
Continuous Feedback and Goal Setting
I make it a habit to regularly seek input from my manager, rather than just waiting for formal reviews. Given that Microsoft conducts reviews biannually, waiting for these may delay realizing areas needing improvement.
To counter this, I arrange biweekly meetings with my manager. Monthly, I inquire about my performance and areas I could enhance upon.
I am also diligent about setting personal career targets, aiming to progress to the next level within 18 to 24 months.
Knowing Expectations and Bridging Gaps
Understanding what is expected at both your current and desired future levels is crucial. Recognizing any gaps between these two can help in strategizing how to bridge them.
Self-awareness involves checking if you're meeting all criteria. Conversations with colleagues, mentors, and managers can help identify deficiencies and guide improvements.
At Microsoft, an internal 'role library' offers insights into expected roles and responsibilities, which I correlate with feedback from my manager during discussions.
Taking Initiative for Complex Projects
When aspiring to senior roles, it was clear I needed to independently lead projects from inception to deployment, ensuring minimal issues. Consequently, I engaged my manager in conversations to showcase my readiness for such responsibilities.
This proactive approach ensured I was remembered for new opportunities, as my manager knew of my interest and capability for greater challenges.
Securing a promotion involves more than fulfilling your current duties. It's about seizing opportunities, demonstrating ownership, anticipating needs, and aligning your work's impact with organizational goals.
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