You’re a plant engineer trying to get promoted. How can you make sure your managers know your worth?

1 Know your goals

Before you ask for a promotion, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and why. What are your short-term and long-term career aspirations? How do they align with the company's vision and strategy? How do you measure your performance and impact? Having a well-defined career plan will help you identify your strengths, areas of improvement, and opportunities for growth. It will also help you articulate your expectations and negotiate your terms with your managers.

2 Showcase your results

One of the best ways to prove your worth is to show how your work contributes to the bottom line. Whether it's reducing costs, increasing efficiency, enhancing quality, or solving problems, you need to quantify and document your results. Use data, metrics, and evidence to support your claims and demonstrate your value. For example, you can create a portfolio of your projects, achievements, and testimonials, and share it with your managers and peers. You can also use performance reviews, feedback sessions, and recognition programs to highlight your accomplishments and showcase your results.

3 Expand your skills

As a plant engineer, you need to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. You also need to develop skills that go beyond your technical expertise, such as communication, collaboration, innovation, and management. To expand your skills, you can seek out learning opportunities, such as courses, certifications, webinars, podcasts, or books. You can also take on new challenges, such as leading a team, initiating a project, or mentoring a colleague. By expanding your skills, you can show your managers that you are adaptable, versatile, and eager to grow.

4 Build your network

Another way to increase your chances of getting a promotion is to build your network within and outside your organization. Networking can help you gain visibility, credibility, and support from your managers, peers, and stakeholders. It can also help you learn from others, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities. To build your network, you can participate in events, forums, associations, or groups related to your field or industry. You can also reach out to people who can offer you advice, feedback, or referrals, and maintain regular contact with them.

5 Ask for feedback

Finally, one of the most important steps to getting a promotion is to ask for feedback from your managers and others who can evaluate your work. Feedback can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas of improvement, and set realistic goals. It can also help you communicate your aspirations, expectations, and concerns, and get guidance and support from your managers. To ask for feedback, you can schedule regular meetings, prepare specific questions, listen actively, and act on the suggestions.

6 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?