How to boost your internal profile
Are you feeling ready for the next opportunity to develop your career or craving more responsibility in your current position? Sometimes, a little extra effort can catch your employer's attention. Here are some quick and easy tips to boost your internal profile and help progress your career.
Work on cross-office projects
Volunteer for new projects or ask to work with a team you’ve never collaborated with before. By doing this, you’ll earn a reputation as someone who can be relied on in various situations and be noticed when exciting opportunities for more responsibility arise.
As long as the additional work doesn’t distract from your day-to-day responsibilities, it’s an excellent way to show your motivation, attitude, and skills.
Invest in knowledge and skills
Gaining new skills and qualifications can set you apart from colleagues and impress your employer with your commitment. “Developing your skills further enhances your confidence and capabilities and demonstrates to your employer you have an eagerness to learn,” Katy continues.
Many training programs offer part-time, long-distance, or weekend courses that fit your schedule. Many employers will have a budget for training and employee development and can fund a course that will add value to the business.
Consider presenting what you’ve learned back to your colleagues or teammates – it’s a great way to help embed the learning so you can recall it easily in the future, helps the business to see the value in external training as the learning is shared and, most importantly, positions you as a proactive leader in the team with a collaborative mindset that motivates others.
Maximise opportunity in your appraisal
Your appraisal is the perfect opportunity to ask for constructive feedback, discuss your progression, and set future goals and targets. If you don’t currently have an appraisal, or it’s been over 12 months since your last one, ask for a formal review.
Before you sit down with your employer, make a list of the targets you’ve met, projects you’ve worked on, and positive feedback you’ve received for your work. If there are areas you think you need to work on, it’s okay to mention these too. This will show your employer that you want to strengthen your skills and are open to guidance.
Your appraisal will give you a clear idea of the steps needed to progress within your role or into a different role, which you can target over the agreed timescales.
Offer to be a mentor
Mentoring is a powerful way to boost your internal profile. By offering to mentor a junior colleague or someone from another department, you not only help others grow but also position yourself as a leader within the organisation. Mentoring can enhance your communication and leadership skills while demonstrating your commitment to the company’s continued success.
Mentoring is a powerful way to boost your internal profile.
Join or implement internal initiatives
Getting involved in internal initiatives like Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) including equity, diversity & inclusion councils, or becoming a wellbeing champion, is a great way to boost your profile. It shows you’re committed to creating a positive work environment, but it also gives you the chance to connect with colleagues from other teams who you might not usually work with. This can help you expand your network and give you a voice in how the company operates. By stepping up in these areas, you’re not just contributing to the company’s culture—you’re helping to shape it, which can leave a lasting impact on your colleagues.
Boosting your internal profile is all about showing initiative, continuously learning, and seeking feedback. By volunteering for cross-office projects, investing in your skills, and making the most of your appraisals, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to your organization and pave the way for career advancement. Remember, small steps can lead to significant opportunities, so take charge of your career growth and let your hard work ben seen.
