How to Advance Your Manufacturing Career
Posted August 17th, 2020
While the manufacturing industry may not be growing particularly quickly, that doesn’t mean advancement opportunities aren’t available. Many senior positions are filled with older workers. As those professionals retire, younger employees have a chance to take their place.
However, advancing any career doesn’t happen by accident. You need to take the right steps if you want to move up. If you want to know how you can take your manufacturing career to the next level, here are some tips that can help you on your journey.
Aim to Always Exceed Expectations
At times, landing a promotion starts by getting noticed by upper management, especially if open positions aren’t always formally published. One way to catch their attention is to do more than just handle your duties. Instead, you want to make going above and beyond your norm, not the exception.
Top performers often get opportunities ahead of workers who are simply handling the basic necessities of their jobs. Whenever you take on a task, do it to the best of your ability. In manufacturing, your results are measurable, so you always want to aim to exceed quality and quantity standards whenever possible.
Additionally, when the chance arises, volunteer to take on more. Managers prefer employees who make their lives easier, so taking something off of their plate can make a difference.
Engagement with Members of Management
Another way to get noticed is to build a rapport with members of the leadership team. One of the easiest ways to go about this is to engage with them when the opportunity comes up.
For example, begin by introducing yourself if you cross paths in a breakroom. Say “hello” when you pass each other in the hall and ask how their day is going.
Once you break the ice, deepen the connection. Ask for their advice on a work-related matter, ask for recommendations regarding skill development, or see if they’d be interested in being a mentor.
It can take time to forge and nurture the relationship. However, it’s worth doing, especially if you’d like to move up in that particular company.
Embrace Every Chance to Learn Something New
As with many industries, the world of manufacturing changes quickly. If you want to move up, then you need to ensure that your skills remain relevant into the future. Look for opportunities to learn new techniques, work with different kinds of equipment, or explore other departments. See if there are any training options or job shadowing programs available.
By keeping your skills up-to-date, you ensure your long-term value. Plus, a willingness to learn means you are adaptable and passionate about the industry, and that can make a positive impression on all of those around you.
Call Our Recruiters Today
If you’d like to learn more about how you can advance your manufacturing career, the skilled team at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak to a member of our talented staff today and see how our career advancement expertise can benefit you.
