Starting from the bottom and working your way up—it’s the age-old career dream. But, hey, it’s also the reality for many of us. Building a career that rises from entry-level to executive isn’t just about showing up every day and hoping for the best. It takes more than a few solid years of showing your worth. You need a plan, some serious persistence, and a bit of luck sprinkled in. So, how do you go from answering phones to calling the shots? Let’s break it down.
First off, let’s get real. We all know that first job. It’s the one where you do the grunt work, where you’re the newbie and your job description is basically the catch-all for everything the seasoned professionals don’t want to do. But those early days are crucial. You learn the ropes. You learn how to handle difficult clients, juggle a million tasks, and, perhaps most importantly, deal with all sorts of personalities.
Think of it like the early stages of a video game—you’re building up your character. You don’t start off with the best skills, the most powerful tools, or the top-level gear. But as you progress, you collect experience points. You learn, adapt, and eventually, you unlock abilities that set you up for bigger challenges.
But here’s the kicker: if you want to rise, you can’t stay in that entry-level mindset.
You’ll need to find ways to build a reputation that goes beyond just “good worker” and evolves into “leadership material.” This doesn’t mean you have to be the loudest voice in the room or try to impress everyone by working 80-hour weeks. It means consistently doing quality work, asking the right questions, and thinking a few steps ahead. If you want a glimpse of where you’re headed, look at people who are already where you want to be. Not to copy them—oh no, that’d be boring—but to see what kind of skills they possess, how they manage their teams, and how they approach problems.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer
Yes, you’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but here’s the thing—when you’re stuck in the grind, you forget the importance of enjoying what you do. That doesn’t mean you’ll always love every single part of your job, but finding joy in the challenges and the growth is key.
Mid-Level? Time to Step it Up
Now, let’s talk about the middle part of your career. You’ve done the grunt work, got the experience, and now you’re in that sweet spot where you’re not the newbie, but you’re also not the boss yet. You’re juggling responsibilities, handling projects, and maybe even leading a small team. But how do you get from here to that executive level? The answer is a combination of strategy, personal development, and networking.
You see, leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do. It’s about being able to see the big picture, knowing where the company needs to go, and inspiring others to join you on that journey. So, at this point, if you’re not already thinking about how to lead, you’re behind. If you want to move up, you need to start thinking like an executive, even if you’re not one yet. Get used to decision-making, manage with confidence, and keep refining your skills—technical and soft skills alike.
But don’t get ahead of yourself. The road from mid-level to executive isn’t an elevator ride; it’s more like a stairwell, and you’ve got to put in the effort to climb each step. Take the time to develop relationships with mentors, colleagues, and even competitors. It’s all about building a network that supports your ambitions.
By the time you’re at the mid-level, you should already have a solid grasp of your industry. But beyond that, there’s a world of soft skills that will get you noticed—effective communication, resilience under pressure, and emotional intelligence. These might not seem as “flashy” as technical skills, but let me tell you, they’re often the make-or-break factors for getting ahead.
You need to be a visionary, not just a doer. But it’s not just about thinking big; it’s about thinking smart. Executives don’t just set goals—they set the right goals. When you’re in that mid-level space, don’t get caught up in all the day-to-day tasks. Start thinking about long-term strategy, and how your team or department can contribute to bigger organizational goals.
At this point, you also need to ask yourself: “How can I make myself indispensable?” Think of it as giving your boss the ultimate “Why You Can’t Live Without Me” pitch. Become the go-to person for problem-solving, innovation, or team morale. Be the one who makes things happen.
Executive Level: The Big Leap
So, you’ve made it. You’ve finally climbed the ladder, and now you’re staring at the view from the top—ready to call the shots. But guess what? The work’s just beginning. Being at the executive level means your role expands well beyond just managing people and making big decisions. It’s about setting the culture, the direction, and the legacy of the entire organization.
Think of it like driving a car. When you’re starting out, you’re focused on the pedals, the steering wheel, and staying in your lane. But when you’re at the top? You’re watching the road, thinking several miles ahead, and adjusting your course before anyone even notices there’s a turn coming. You need to have the vision to steer the company through unknown challenges, while keeping everyone in the passenger seats—your team—moving in the right direction.
But let’s be honest: leadership at this level isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. You’re balancing more than just workloads and KPIs. You’re managing people, driving change, and, more often than not, putting out fires. You’ll face pressure from all sides—from the boardroom to the break room—and the decisions you make will ripple across the entire organization.
Yet, in this final step, it’s crucial to remain grounded. Executives often lose sight of what made them successful in the first place—their passion, their ability to connect with others, and their drive. Stay connected to the team, stay curious, and never stop learning. The best executives are those who can adapt, shift gears, and keep their eyes open for opportunities, even when they’re at the top.
Wrapping it Up
From entry-level to executive, the career path isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road full of detours, obstacles, and sometimes, even dead-ends. But if you stay determined, keep learning, and adapt to new challenges, you’ll eventually reach that executive seat.
You’ve got this. Just remember: it’s not about racing to the top—it’s about enjoying the ride and learning from every twist and turn along the way.