How to Ask for Growth Opportunities at Work

When you first entered the current phase of your career, you may have had one specific goal in mind. Perhaps you wanted to gain experience in a new field or secure a specific position. Whatever your initial goal, you might have now realized that you need a change. If you’ve reached this point, you may be ready for career advancement.

Career advancement covers a wide array of options. Some examples could be—

• Getting a promotion.
• Moving into a new department or field.
• Expanding your job responsibilities.
• Obtaining new certifications to enhance your current position.

Regardless of your goal, it will be beneficial to discuss potential growth opportunities with your manager.

Below are some helpful tips to help you prepare for a productive career advancement meeting.

Set Clear Goals

Before approaching your boss, you need to have a clear understanding of your current position and where you want to be in a few years. For example, in five years, do you envision yourself working with million-dollar accounts? If so, you might want to start taking courses to refine your current sales skills. Do you want to spend more time face-to-face with clients? Then, you may want to transition from your current department into a customer management role. Creating a detailed plan helps you better understand your aspirations and express them to your manager.

Ask for an Appointment

Once you feel adequately prepared, ask your manager for a meeting either in person, over the phone, or via email. Remember, timing is everything! If you have just joined the company, asking for a promotion can seem entitled. Alternatively, waiting too long can suggest that you are not interested in moving forward. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you have been with the company for at least six months. Waiting will give you time to settle into your role, demonstrate your value to the company, and signal that you are committed to the organization. 

Have a Productive Meeting

Now that you have scheduled a meeting, ensure that it is as productive as possible by asking the following questions.

• Ask about the growth trajectory for your current position or role. If you are interested in a promotion, ensure you understand the available positions and career paths.
• Remember to ask tough questions about growth, such as—
• Does your manager think you need to acquire new skills before advancing up the ladder?
• Do they feel you are ready to take on a stretch project?
• If there are no opportunities on your team, is there another team you could work with?
• Are there any opportunities coming up where you can take on more responsibility?
• Is there someone at the company who would be a good mentor for you?
• Make It About the Company. Frame your career development discussion in terms of how it will benefit the company, not just you. For example, if you are interested in a leadership role, discuss how you could use your skills and experience to help mentor and develop other employees.
• Be Ready for Feedback. Be prepared to receive both positive and negative feedback. Your boss may have some constructive criticism about your performance or may decide that now is not the right time to discuss growth opportunities. Don’t be discouraged by the feedback you receive; instead, embrace it as an opportunity to improve and recognize it as a necessary part of the growth process.

What's Next?

If your boss does agree to give you more growth opportunities, congratulations! It’s a sign that your hard work is paying off! But don’t forget the next critical steps.

• Draft a development plan. Take what you’ve learned from your meeting and put together a forward-looking plan that outlines the next phase, including any new skills you need to acquire, any projects you’ve agreed to take on, and any coworkers you want to begin building relationships with.
• Always Follow up. At the end of your meeting, be sure to let your manager know that you will follow up with them to discuss your current progress toward your goals.

Conclusion

Asking for growth opportunities will help make your ambitions known to both you and your superiors, provide you with valuable feedback, and pave the way for a fulfilling career path.

Regardless of the outcome of your meeting, continue to have future discussions with your boss about your career development and keep working diligently. With time and patience, you will achieve the goals and successes you strive for.

Here at Career Concepts, we’ve been helping the right people find the right job for over 50 years! If 2025 is your year to make a change, we’ve got your back. Give us a call today, and let’s get started!