Level Up Your Career: Strategies for Success
Have you ever just felt stuck in your position each day?
In today’s competitive job market, it can be hard, as sometimes you may lack confidence or feel scared to make a change. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, pivot to a new industry, or simply sharpen your skills, making those changes is sometimes necessary for success!
Self-Assessment: Understand Where You Are and Where You Want to Go
Before you can level up, you need to assess where you are and where you would like to be.
- Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Start by making a list of areas you perform best in. Then, make a list of areas you feel need improvement. Asking for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors can give you a better understanding of where you may need to improve.
- Set Clear Goals: What does level up learning and leveling up your career mean to you? Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant goals and stick to them!
Expand Your Skill Set: Invest in Continued Education
One of the most effective ways to stand out in any field is to keep learning. Take the initiative to invest in your education. Register for all the CE courses you can.
Keep up with current technology and techniques by watching educational videos and reading articles. Prove to your management team that you want to learn and grow!
- Upskill: Identify high-demand skills within your industry and/or the career path you would like to take. Consider online courses, certifications, or advanced degrees that can give you an edge and the confidence boost to help you move forward in your career.
- Stay Current: Attend webinars and follow leaders within your industry to stay up to date on new policies and procedure developments.
- Master Soft Skills: Technical skills are extremely important. However, practicing good soft skills such as clear communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence can make a major difference between a good employee and an exceptional one.
Networking: Build Relationships That Matter
Networking is another major contributor to leveling up your career. It’s not just about going to events or attending webinars. You need to be personable and open to developing relationships that can help you grow professionally.
- Seek Out Mentors: Having a mentor can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and guidance as you navigate your career. Look for someone whose career trajectory you admire. I will always treasure my friend and mentor, Jami. I had no experience and very little dental knowledge when I started my dental career. My professional experience revolved around working with children and within the restaurant industry. Jami provided me the opportunity to grow not only as a professional but as a person. She took me under her wing and helped guide and shape me into the person and manager I am today. To this day, I continue to learn from and be inspired by her. I will forever be grateful for Jami and how much she has invested in me.
- Be a Connector: Networking is a two-way street! Offer the same support to others that you have been given. This will not only help you grow but can help others along the way to grow in their careers.
Seek Opportunities for Growth Within Your Organization
You don’t always have to change employers to level up your career. Sometimes, the best opportunities for growth are within the organization you already work for. I truly believe that is one of the best qualities my current employer possesses. The CEO of the company truly believes in his employees and continuously invests in furthering their education and skill sets.
I have been with my current company for 9 years. I started out as a front office assistant, answering phones, working check-in, and verifying insurance. Within my first year, I was promoted to practice manager due to my employer and managers’ never-ending guidance and support. Today, 8 years later, I am now the regional manager over 3 locations!
- Ask for More Responsibility: Express interest in taking on more challenging projects or responsibilities. Volunteering for high-visibility initiatives can showcase your capabilities to leadership.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for constructive feedback to understand where you can improve and how you can better position yourself for growth opportunities.
Take Charge of Your Career
Leveling up your career isn’t about waiting for the perfect opportunity to fall into your lap. It’s about hard work, building your skillset through networking or continued education, and always being open to constructive criticism to allow you to grow. Always strive to learn and better yourself!
About the Author
Amber Farrar, MAADOM
Amber is the Central Missouri Regional Manager with Access Dental Services, LP in Missouri, a growing company with seven locations. She has worked in dentistry for 9 years, starting as a front desk assistant with no dental experience; however, she has leveled up her career and is now a regional manager.
Amber received her FAADOM in 2024 and her MAADOM in 2025.
