Want to move into leadership faster? Learn how to position yourself for promotions by becoming an expert, networking authentically, and contributing valuable work.
“How do I get promoted into leadership?”
“How do I avoid waiting ten years for a promotion?”
“How do I get my name out there?”
These are questions I hear all the time. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are clear, strategic methods that can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting into leadership positions faster.
If you’re looking to accelerate your path, here’s where to start.
1. Know Your Content: Become the Expert in Your Field
In my experience, the most effective way to gain respect from colleagues and leaders is to become a reliable expert in your focus area.
For example, if you work in financial aid, how well can you explain the big picture of financial aid? What knowledge can you share that benefits others?
I’ve always been obsessed with my areas of interest, so I made sure to stay connected to the latest information. You can too, by doing the following:
- Sign Up for Google Scholar Alerts
Google Scholar is a great place to find up-to-date research. For instance, when I worked with first-generation college students, I set up alerts for “first-generation community college student research” to receive the latest studies weekly. This kept me informed and ahead of the curve.
🔗 Set up Google Scholar Alerts
- Subscribe to Professional Newsletters
For example, I subscribe to a newsletter by Patrick Methvin, Director of Postsecondary Success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation because his insights are timely and comprehensive. Find trusted leaders in your field and stay updated on their work.
- Attend Conferences That Align With Your Career Aspirations
Want to be a VP of Academic Success? Go to sessions on that topic, learn who’s who, and immerse yourself in the conversations shaping your industry.
2. Connect With Industry Experts
Great leaders don’t just know the field—they know the people shaping it.
- Follow the Experts
Who are the top thinkers in your field? Read their books, follow their work, and track their insights.
- Watch Their Webinars
Most industry experts have free webinars available online. Watch, take notes, and apply what you learn.
- Engage Authentically
Engaging authentically means communicating in an informal, honest way. I hate networking for the sake of networking, but I am always up for real communication. For example, I always make a point to express gratitude when I learn something valuable, and this is an example of authentic engagement. A simple, “Thank you for sharing that insight!” can build genuine relationships.
After a great presentation → Thank the speaker in person.
After a webinar → Send a LinkedIn message thanking them for their insights.
After reading a great article → Share it with your thoughts on social media.
3. Get Involved in Local & Professional Events
Your local chamber of commerce and professional organizations regularly host events related to leadership and education. These are great places to:
✔ Meet leaders in your field
✔ Stay up-to-date on trends
✔ Build your reputation in the industry
🔗 Find Chamber of Commerce Events Near You
4. Do the Extra Work (Because Leaders Always Do)
Leadership is not an easy job, and it requires a lot of extra work. Sometimes, the easiest way to get motivated is to surround yourself with like-minded people. You can do this by:
Joining a Professional Association & Take a Leadership Role: Balancing your job and a leadership role in an association will teach you critical leadership skills
🔗 Find Professional Associations
Collaborating Across Departments: Good leaders don’t work in silos. They engage with other teams and learn how their work connects to the bigger picture.
Volunteering for Special Projects: Pay attention to emails, committees, and new initiatives. Leaders are always working on something interesting, and they always need help. Step up and get involved.
5. Develop Valuable Content & Present at Conferences
The development and distribution of meaningful content is an important part of leadership. There are many ways to make a contribution:
- Identify a problem in your industry and find a solution.
- Write about it—on LinkedIn, in blog posts, or in industry publications.
- Submit a proposal to speak at conferences and share your insights.
🔗 How to Submit a Conference Proposal
Final Thought: Leadership Doesn’t Just Happen—It’s Built
Advancing in leadership doesn’t happen by accident. Every successful leader you see has a long backstory of intentional learning, connecting, and contributing.
- Become an expert.
- Connect with leaders in your industry.
- Show up, contribute, and take action.
The more self-directed and intentional you are, the faster you’ll position yourself for leadership opportunities.
And when you get there?
Pay it forward.
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