6 Tips to Stand Out and Move Up in Your Career
When I graduated from the University of Georgia, I had dreams of starting my career right there in Athens, GA, so I could stay in the town I loved.
But reality hit hard. There weren’t many local opportunities in my field as a journalism and film studies graduate.
Although I was looking to break into a sales job within media, I ended up accepting a role as an executive assistant at the local radio station. It wasn’t the glamourous position I had envisioned for myself as my first full-time job out of college. But it helped me get my foot in the door in the industry and launch my career.
Since then, I’ve had amazing opportunities throughout the media landscape, from that first radio station job in Athens to working in sales and media advertising at WSB-TV in Atlanta and later at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (part of Cox Enterprises). And now, I’m starting a whole new chapter of my career as an advertising supervisor at Cox Automotive, where I’m stepping into an entirely different industry within the same Cox family of businesses.
Each step in my career taught me something new and helped me grow. I am now a people leader and couldn’t be happier about where I’ve landed and what’s in store for my future.
Here’s how I did it — and how you can, too.
1. Speak up and get noticed.
If there’s another team or department that you’re curious about, volunteer your time and help those other teams. It’s a great way to build relationships, learn new skills and show initiative. People will appreciate you and keep you in mind for future opportunities. It’s also a good way to figure out what you’re passionate about if you’re unsure. Plus, it gives you something extra to talk about in interviews and performance reviews.
2. Set goals and share them.
Write down clear, actionable goals and ask your manager for feedback and guidance on how to grow within the company. Keep your manager updated as you hit milestones. This shows drive and helps them advocate for your advancement. Once you prove yourself in your current role, new doors will open.
For example, I had an amazing manager who saw potential in me and trusted me to manage a few people. Once I proved I could handle that type of responsibility and discovered I genuinely enjoyed it, I was officially promoted to be a manager of a full team of five direct reports.
3. Build your network of supporters.
Cox encompasses many businesses and industries, so connections matter when making a name for yourself on a larger scale. One easy way to start building your network is to find a mentor within the company. I’ve been grateful for mine over the past few years because she has given me honest, non-biased advice based on her experience. She has also introduced me to her wide network and opened new doors for me.
Cox helps match you with a mentor. The company also offers programs like RandomCoffee, which make it easy to meet new people at work beyond your immediate circle. You never know who you’ll meet for a virtual or in-person coffee and what you’ll learn from them.
4. Embrace learning.
Take advantage of training and development programs. Cox offers tons of resources, from online courses to tuition reimbursement. Whether it’s leadership development or technical skills, continuous learning keeps you confident and competitive.
I’ve taken multiple leadership courses through Learn@Cox — both online and in person — that have helped me become a better manager for my teams.
5. Stay on top of job opportunities.
Once you’re a Cox employee, you have more direct access to job openings across the entire enterprise. You can set up job alerts tailored to the types of roles you’re interested in to make it easier to stay up to date about openings that match your career goals. Plus, there are a variety of internal resources available to support your career growth, whether you’re updating your resume, preparing for interviews or exploring new paths within the company.
6. Be a star wherever you are.
As you begin planning for a future career move, make sure to shine where you are. Be proactive, reliable and positive. A true sign of career progression is excelling in your current role before taking the next step; it builds your reputation and strengthens your personal brand. When you consistently deliver, people take notice and don’t forget your name.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but every step counts. My first role may not have been the most exciting first step, but I chose to show up with curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn. Over time, those small choices turned into big opportunities. When you lean in, even when it’s not exactly what you envisioned, you can pave the way for that dream role you have longed for.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to level up, your path is yours to shape. Be bold, be intentional and be patient. Don’t be afraid to embrace the long game like I did. The journey is just as important as the destination, and at Cox, there are countless ways to learn, grow and advance.
Ready to take that next step in your career? Explore job opportunities at Cox and sign up for the Cox Talent Community today!
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