Moving up the career ladder

If you’re in a small firm, there are certain challenges you may encounter in this pursuit. Tania Ngima writes

When most people envision their career trajectory, it is usually not with the size of organisation in mind. Preferences regarding one working in a big or small firm tend to be shaped by the experiences and culture we encounter in those firms.   If you plan to work for smaller firms, it is important to think about the challenges you may encounter as regards your career growth.

Mentorship

The great thing about working in smaller firms is that everyone is easily accessible, regardless of their rank. The levels of authority to pass through to get to say, the CEO are less than they would be for a larger firm.  Choose a mentor who has extensive insights into the organisations, and preferably one who has acquired a senior position by working from the ground up.  Ask relevant straightforward questions such as ‘if I want to get promoted to partner, what do I need to do?’ Chances are you will get an equally straightforward answer in return. Mentors are able to see or hear about opportunities for improvement that you may not and, often times, will be aware of the unspoken expectations of management.

Big picture thinking

It is important to demonstrate that you can relate what you do in the organisation to its overall strategy. The most effective way to do and communicate this is by ensuring that you have visibility.  If you work in a department that has to maintain a certain service level to the clients, then ensure that your reports to your supervisor show how much you saved in costs as well as penalties avoided and quantify this in terms of exact amounts. This is, of course, important in all organisations, but in a small firm, you have the advantage of encountering the main decision makers more often and can ensure that you have this information at your fingertips to present when an opportunity presents itself. Ask to be involved in projects that not only align with the organisations strategy, but that also put yourself in a line of reporting where you are noticed by the higher ups. 

Initiative

Show and take initiative. This works perfectly where you have a skill that you consider currently unutilised. If say, you are a good mentor and work in an organisation that has many younger staff, take it upon yourself to provide some professional guidance and rope in other senior staff who may be interested. Use whatever special skill you have to add value to your organisation and, especially to projects where you can shine.