You want to move up in journalism. What can you do to prepare for a promotion?

You've got to build a compelling body of work. I loved (and still love) scoops, whereas others were more motivated by high quality writing or bringing clarity and sense to the complex. Whatever style you prefer, you need a killer portfolio of great stories. Ideally, you need a website where editors and hiring managers can read your greatest hits unless your work doesn't live behind a paywall.

I'm speaking about getting promoted to the best beat imaginable (for you) not a promotion to assistant city editor. It means more extra work than you're already doing now. It's simple, and difficult: Just do it. Do not ask permission. Keep the story out of your work system. We all have wasted blocks of ten minutes here and there every day. Make calls instead. Send out a records request instead. Little bits of time, day after day. Nights, weekends, and Saturday afternoons. Use outside writer and editor friends to critique. Start with small stories (later growing your efforts into narratives, etc) that can be "slipped" in with your editor: "Hey Jane, you know I like enviro reporting. Look at this. I did it on my own time." Rinse and repeat.

Networking is overrated. If you're brand new to journalism nobody wants to talk to you. If you're known, why spend time schmoozing with people who know your name? What impresses today is output, production, and story counts. And multiple formats. Produce more stories in more mediums than anyone else. Take a voice course and start offering completed audio with every story (you can do broadcast quality on your cell with AI). Spend the time you'd be wasting at the networking event calling a pal at The Associated Press to see if they'll pick up your story, and if so, keep your byline on it. That said: If you don't know the difference between enthusiastic and annoying, learn it.

Journalism is a jealous journey. Too rare is the editor or manager who is there to point out your strengths and make your goals realistic. (If you do - GREAT!) Otherwise, get your feedback from people outside your newsroom if you want to know how you're really doing. Like in the Society of Environmental Journalists' free mentorship program.

To move up in journalism, being proactive and flexible is key. I actively take on new challenges, even if they fall outside my usual beat. This demonstrates my versatility and shows that I can adapt to different types of stories. Additionally, I’m always open to taking on different roles, whether it’s editing or team leadership. This broadens my experience and highlights my ability to contribute in various ways. By stepping up and showing my adaptability, I position myself as a valuable asset ready for the next step.

Explore moving to another media organization. There are times when an organization is so established with its structure and promotion patterns that it cannot accommodate special talents. If you are not patient enough to climb such a complicated ladder, try exploring other media. This could be an alternative to improving your career and at the same time testing your competence.

Consider moving overseas and do it while you're young. You'll learn an incredible amount about yourself, have great anecdotes from exotic places and you'll inevitably uncover great stories. I did three foreign postings and it was the best education I've had!

Promote your stories, promote your journalism, help your stories ravel to the communities. Individual promotions are outcomes of those.