How can you make your R&D work visible to the right people for promotion?

1 Align your work with strategic goals

One of the first steps to make your R&D work visible is to align it with the strategic goals and priorities of your organization. This means understanding the vision, mission, and objectives of your company, and how your work contributes to them. You can communicate this alignment by linking your R&D projects to the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that matter to your stakeholders. For example, you can show how your work improves customer satisfaction, reduces costs, increases revenue, or enhances quality.

3 Network and collaborate with others

A third way to make your R&D work visible is to network and collaborate with others, both inside and outside your organization. This means building relationships with your peers, managers, customers, suppliers, partners, or industry experts, and seeking feedback, advice, or support from them. You can network and collaborate through various platforms, such as meetings, events, workshops, webinars, or social media. You can also participate in cross-functional teams, joint projects, or communities of practice, and share your expertise and insights with others. The key is to be proactive, respectful, and generous, and to demonstrate your value and potential as an R&D professional.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?