Try These Practices to Quickly Move From Entry-Level to Professional

An entry-level job is a rite of passage for most professionals; as conventional wisdom states, you have to start somewhere. With effort and motivation, however, you can escape the lower paycheck and move up to a professional position in no time. In addition to being skilled at your job, employing a few strategic moves can set your career trajectory in motion.

Ask for Feedback

An entry-level job places you at the bottom of the professional totem pole. However, rather than focusing on the negatives, consider the value of your position; everyone above you is a wealth of information about the company and the industry. Take advantage of this collective wisdom by asking for feedback on a regular basis. Then take action. Correct your mistakes, alter your approach and ask again. In the process, you can create relationships, demonstrate respect for colleagues' knowledge and improve your own performance.

Take Initiative

In comparison with a college campus, a professional workplace is a different world. Don't sit back and wait for your boss to notice your work or provide new opportunities in an entry-level job — take initiative, and do it yourself. Give candid summaries of your progress at weekly staff meetings, and let your boss know when a client thanks you for going above and beyond. Stay up to date on the latest apps, technology and industry trends, and look out for ways to help your company work smarter. Taking action demonstrates enthusiasm for the job and shows your boss that you can work independently.

Create Building Blocks

Chances are your entry-level job is not a dream job — it may not even come close. If you want to move into a more suitable professional position, start creating the experiences that can help you get there. If your dream job requires extensive coding skills, ask your boss for more coding projects. Build your communication skills by taking over memo-writing, or learn how to organize by assisting with event planning. Don't worry if your current job is nothing like the position you want to achieve; simply find the connections between the two. Skills such as leadership, budgeting and project management are transferable between industries and careers.

Do Great Work With a Positive Attitude

When you want to move up from an entry-level job, performance is key. Put in the extra time and effort to take your work to the next level, even when it's something as simple as making spreadsheets or sending out meeting minutes. Create goodwill by maintaining a positive attitude. After all, your boss knows that menial tasks are not fun or fulfilling — if you can tackle them with a smile, you'll build a reputation as a hard worker, a team player and someone with whom it's easy to work.

For new professionals, an entry-level job is a necessary stepping stone. By working hard and making your own opportunities, you can make a name for yourself early on and move into a new position faster.

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