Leveling Up Your Career : 7 Proven Strategies for Professional Growth
Emily Krause, Founder, Chief Marketing Strategist, Coach | Amped Up Marketing LLC
Liz Coleman, Talent Acquisition Manager | Sands Anderson PC
If you are interested advancing your career, the responsibility falls to you. Professional development goes beyond excelling at your current role—it necessitates intentionality, strategic goal-setting, and proactive networking. Emily Krause, Founder & Chief Marketing Strategist at Amped Up Marketing, and Liz Coleman, Talent Acquisition Manager at Sands Anderson PC, have combined their extensive experience in talent acquisition, recruiting, and management to offer actionable insights for advancing your career. By following these practical tips, you can take charge of your career trajectory and shape your future.
1. Take Charge of Your Career with Intentionality
Career growth starts with you. Having a plan, setting clear goals, and seeking out new opportunities can set you apart in any industry. “It all starts with your personal initiative and being intentional, it starts with you,” says Liz.
Identify Opportunities: Look for ways to contribute beyond your job description.
Be Proactive: Don’t wait for permission to do your job. Offer to take the lead on projects and new initiatives.
Seek Feedback: Regularly request constructive input and be open listening so you can improve and grow.
Network: Build relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.
"Demonstrating initiative at work shows your commitment and leadership potential," says Liz. "Be proactive, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for your projects."
Emily reinforced that having a plan is crucial. "Keep your resume updated every six months, not just for job searches, but for unexpected opportunities such as board positions, speaking engagements, and professional recognition," she advises.
2. Set SMART Goals to Stay on Track
Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – can help drive your success and keep you accountable.
Write your goals down where you can see them and refer to them on a regular basis.
Share them with others to manifest your intentions.
Check progress regularly and adjust as needed.
"Your goals should challenge you while remaining realistic," Emily suggests. "If you don’t hold yourself accountable or you set goals that aren’t realistically attainable, it can leave you feeling unmotivated or defeated."
3. Close Skill Gaps to Advance
If you aspire to a promotion or career shift, assess job descriptions for roles you want and compare them with your current skill set. Understand your strengths and identify gaps and develop a plan to bridge them through:
Professional Development: Enroll in relevant courses or training.
Stretch Assignments: Take on new challenges at work to gain experience.
Mentorship: Connect with experienced professionals for guidance or ask to sit in on meetings to build knowledge.
Self-Assessment: Use performance reviews and feedback to identify areas for growth.
"Figure out what gaps you have and make a plan to close them," Emily recommends. "Looking at job descriptions for roles you aspire to can help you identify transferable skills and areas where you need more experience."
4. Find a Mentor or Coach
A mentor or coach can provide valuable career guidance and insights. When seeking mentorship, look for someone with:
Experience and expertise in your field
Effective communication and feedback skills
A willingness to invest time in your growth
A supportive and encouraging approach
"Mentors can open doors, offer valuable feedback, and help you navigate challenges," Liz notes. "Seek out individuals in your target role or industry and be receptive to learning from them."
5. Define Your Personal Brand and Elevator Pitch
Your professional reputation is important, and it is up to you to sell yourself. Develop and refine your elevator pitch to succinctly articulate:
Who you are and where you work
What makes you stand out (unique skills and experiences)
What you’re looking for (new opportunities, collaborations, career moves)
"Know what you want to be known for," says Emily. "Your elevator pitch should reflect your unique skills and experiences to help you evolve your career."
6. Advocate for Yourself
To advance in your career, you must be your own advocate. Part of manifesting your dreams is being able to articulate what you are looking to achieve and asking for support.
Leverage performance reviews to understand growth opportunities and where you can improve.
Negotiate beyond salary, including job title, responsibilities, PTO, and continuing education.
Take on more responsibility to demonstrate leadership potential.
Ask to shadow professionals in roles you aspire to.
"If you don't ask for what you want, you might never receive it," Liz advises. "Clearly define your career goals and take action based on the feedback you receive."
7. Build Meaningful Connections and Network with Purpose
Networking isn’t just about meeting new people—it’s about building lasting professional relationships. Tips for successful networking include:
Have a plan: Set goals to meet three new people at an event.
Use conversation starters: Tailor questions to your goals for meaningful discussions.
Maintain relationships: Connect on LinkedIn and schedule follow-ups.
Be a connector: Help others in your network, and opportunities will come back to you.
" Networking involves building and nurturing relationships within your industry, extending beyond just your organization.," Liz explains. "Make it a habit to reach out, introduce people, and build connections that benefit everyone," Emily adds.
Final Thoughts
Professional growth requires a mix of self-awareness, strategic planning, and being proactive. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your career prospects, broaden your professional opportunities, and reach your long-term objectives.
Interested in learning more? Follow Emily Krause and Liz Coleman on LinkedIn for more career insights and opportunities to connect!
About Liz Coleman: With almost 20 years of experience in the legal recruitment industry, Liz Coleman has established a reputation for connecting top legal talent with leading law firms and corporate legal departments. As a seasoned recruiter, Liz has successfully placed hundreds of candidates in prestigious law firms and corporations by identifying and placing attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff in roles that align with their skills, career goals, and the strategic needs of employers.
Liz also provides personalized career advice and guidance to candidates, helping them navigate the job market, refine their resumes, and prepare for interviews. Having transitioned her career from staffing & executive search, Liz now works as a Talent Acquisition Manager for Sands Anderson, a Mid-Atlantic regional firm with over 80 attorneys. In this role, Liz works to grow the firm by leveraging her extensive background to identify and attract top legal talent.
About Emily Krause: Emily Krause is a seasoned marketing leader with over 25 years of experience helping organizations develop authentic brands, drive revenue growth, and optimize marketing strategies. As the Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist at Amped Up Marketing, she partners with businesses to refine their positioning, implement high-impact marketing programs, and create scalable lead generation strategies.
Emily’s expertise spans nonprofits, professional services, legal, finance, and technology, with a proven track record in both B2B and B2C environments. Her strategic, results-driven approach—rooted in collaboration, transparency, and execution—has elevated brands and transformed marketing functions for a diverse range of organizations. A sought-after speaker and coach, Emily shares insights nationally on marketing, leadership, professional development, and organizational change while mentoring executives and professionals looking to grow their careers.