How do you talk to your boss about leveling up in your career?
I have been working for the same large company (but on a small team) for 10 years at the same role. I want to grow in my career, take on new responsibilities and move into a managerial role. I think there's a good opportunity to move within my own company and think it's probably important to talk to my boss to get his help, but I'm nervous and don't know what to say to get his support. Any insight/tips you can share on how to approach this in a professional way that doesn't make him want to fire me or think lower of me as an employee on his team would be hugely helpful. Thanks!
28 answers
Derek’s Answer
This is a great question, I too have struggled with this issue in the past because it can feel like it depends on your relationship with your direct leader. I remember one scenario where I reached out to the District Director with my interest in becoming a manager, their response was I won't ever become a leader because he just didn't see it in me. That simple comment told me that company isn't where I want to be. So I started to look elsewhere for jobs with better career development. After finding one I partnered with my leader then and went from a Sales rep, to assistant manager, to HR Specialist, to finally leading the organizational change for the entire North America GEO. Long story short, be confident in asking that question as it's critical for you to know if this is a long term company or if you need to find another place to give your the experience you need to be successful long term.
To approach is a professional way, you can simply ask "Do we have any type of mid-year or yearly performance review that I could fill out to discuss my career progression?". When you ask be clear on what type of skills you want to learn, be honest on your strengths/weaknesses and listen to the feedback your manager provides.
Chirayu’s Answer
william’s Answer
Once you identified a project, set up a touchpoint with your management to pitch the idea that you'd like to run. Showing the ability to find an area of improvement and solutions to the issue, without management prompts to do so, really show leadership capabilities. I believe your manager would not only champion your efforts, but support you in future endeavors as well
Shirley’s Answer
From my personal experience, I think it is important to be prepared and confident for the 1:1 you have with your boss. Approach the meeting by starting with the facts after doing some self-reflection of your accomplishments and past performance. Come to the meeting with examples of where you believe you have gone above and beyond. Be prepared to share a few areas where you'd like to continue your development and be able to reconcile how increases in responsibility can attribute to that growth. Ensure this is not a one-time conversation. If your boss feels that you need more time to demonstrate certain skills, make sure you are putting time with him/her for frequent check-ins to make sure you are both on the same page regarding your progression. Take notes during each meeting so you have something tangible to refer back to. Ask for stretch opportunities where appropriate to demonstrate your readiness. As a last point, don't be afraid to ask for shadow opportunities and mentors outside of your immediate team that can shed insight on their own personal journeys and offer advice given their familiarity with your company.
I hope this helps - good luck!
Connie’s Answer
Start with a personal assessment of where you see yourself in the short term (next 2 years) and the mid term (2-5 years). What do you really want to be doing and why? Next, right down the skill set and the job experiences that you feel best prepare you for the next level. Determine any gaps and then package together to share with your manager in an open discussion about your future goals.
Listen carefully for what actions you need to take to move to the next level at your current company. Conduct research with companies inside and outside of your industry that have openings in a level that you want to move to and make a comparison between your current company and others.
Good Luck!
Pamela’s Answer
Dorina’s Answer
Louella’s Answer
jennifer’s Answer
You should schedule a 1:1 with your supervisor & the first thing that you need to find out is to know your options. There are certain positions within the company that are not promotable. So if you want to be promoted, you might have to transfer to a different group or organization altogether. So the first step definitely, is to ask your boss what your options are to grow in the company.
Hope this helps!
Martina’s Answer
Rebecca’s Answer
Below are my suggestions :
1. you may think about your plan and what do you to achieve. I am not sure have attended any managerial related training course. If not , put this down on your plan.
2. Under your current job responsibilities, you may have to identify the areas you can make improvement or how do you think you can expand your existing role to cover more or supporting your other team member. This is to demonstrate with your capability.
3, Put down what do you want to achieve in coming years, e.g. some milestones or goals, etc.
4. I am not sure you have regular 1 to 1 session with your line manager. If not, schedule one with him. Have an open discussion with him to share with him/her on your career aspiration and your above mentioned above and seek his guidance and assistance.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Brandy’s Answer
Matthew’s Answer
Daphney’s Answer
Kerwin A’s Answer
Rommel’s Answer

Milly Carrillo
Milly’s Answer
I heard that Stephen Curry (Golden State Basketball player) missed over 4,000 shots in his career. That did not stop him!! Continue with great determination and the right door will open for you!
This article has some great tips: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/moving-up-the-ladder