Being your own career champion
In higher education professional services, it’s easy to become complacent and expect opportunities to come your way. However, you won’t be handed these opportunities. Due to the rigid pay grades, promotion within the current structure is unlikely. If you want to advance or change your career path, you’ll probably need to apply for and secure a new position.
The most significant catalyst for career advancement and satisfaction is you. It’s up to you to locate, create, or recognise opportunities that align with your professional goals and then make the most of them. You have to be your own career champion.
The Power of Proactivity
A common misconception is that career success is solely determined by external factors such as luck or connections. While these elements can certainly play a role, they are often secondary to personal initiative and a proactive mindset. By actively seeking out opportunities, developing your portfolio of skills, and gaining new experiences, you can significantly increase your chances of career progression (whatever that might look like for you).
If you’re considering transitioning into management and you’re worried about convincing a hiring manager that you’re the right person to lead their team, remember that management is all about communicating, collaborating, problem‑solving, projecting confidence, and empowering your team members. These are skills that you can develop and showcase through various avenues. It could be through projects you’ve coordinated, supervising volunteers or temporary staff, or leading initiatives for change. All these actions demonstrate the traits and skills that managers need, and they don’t necessarily have to stem from direct supervisory experience.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
One of the most effective strategies for career growth is to step outside of your comfort zone. Doing more of the same won’t get you far. It’s not how much you do, but what you do that matters. This means taking on new challenges, exploring unfamiliar areas, and embracing opportunities that may seem daunting at first. By doing so, you can expand your skill set, develop new competencies, and demonstrate your adaptability and resilience to potential employers.
I was coordinating research degree admissions, enrolment, and administration when I was asked if I had capacity to support a new project with a new partner. I was approached as I have a background in taught course administration and because, at that time, the course administrators were tied up in exam boards. This project involved regular travel into London and working with the home admissions manager and a senior colleague in the student finance team to coordinate the verification and enrolment of a large volume of new students at short notice. We pooled our knowledge and resources during the summer and, by working together, we were successful in the task. It was a useful and rewarding experience for me. I enjoyed building new professional relationships, initiating a framework for working with the partner, supporting the project development, and expanding my knowledge of student funding and admissions. Later that year, the deputy admissions manager post became vacant in the home admissions department at my institution. Before that project, I had only a few months of experience in research degree admissions. After it, I had a stronger relationship with the admissions manager and a good understanding of a large number of non‑standard qualifications and unusual immigration statuses. I had experience working with an important new partner and could demonstrate how I had contributed to the success of the project. This was crucial in my success in securing the deputy admissions manager role in the home admissions department.
Build Your Network
Networking is another essential component of career success in higher education. By building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals, you can gain valuable insights, access new opportunities, and receive support throughout your career journey. Attend industry events (there are lots of free online webinars shared on LinkedIn), join professional organisations, and leverage LinkedIn to connect with like-minded individuals.
Be Your Own Advocate
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your career aspirations. Clearly articulate your goals, highlight your achievements, and seek out opportunities for advancement. Your career is your responsibility, and it’s up to you to take the necessary steps to achieve your objectives.
It has been put to me that I only got the opportunity to work on the new partner project because I had experience of course administration and the head of registry knew of my skills. Absolutely. But that wasn’t an accident. I sought out that role in course administration to build my technical and regulatory knowledge (even though it involved a pay reduction). I had worked hard in that role to build a reputation as an efficient, competent, and proactive course administrator who worked well in a team. So when the opportunity arose I could recognise it as an opportunity and make the most of it. It didn’t fall in my lap.
Define Your Own Success
Career success and satisfaction are within your control. They require a proactive mindset, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, effective networking, and a strong sense of self-advocacy. By embracing these principles, you can take control of your career path and achieve your professional aspirations.
The only person who will truly prioritise your career is you. And you define what success looks like for you – not anyone else.
Be bold. Just start. What’s the best that could happen?
About the author:
Rachel Reeds has been surviving and thriving in higher education professional services since 2011. An advocate of authentic leadership, she empowers others to find their voice, lead confidently, and take ownership of their professional journey.
Rachel’s book Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services: a guide to success will be published on 2 December and is available for pre-order now. Enter AFLY03 at checkout for a 20% discount until 31 December 2024.
