If you're exploring a new career, you probably have a short list of desires and requirements. And some people forget to add one of the most important details to that list - upward mobility. Before you pick a new career, make sure it gives you the opportunity to advance forward. Use this list to help you decide on a career that allows you to easily advance.
How Important Is Upward Mobility
First, it's important to understand just how important upward mobility in a career is. You could find a job you love and be content for several years. But after a certain point, you'll need something more. You might want extra responsibilities or higher pay.
If you end up in a career with no or limited upward mobility, you'll end up needing to change careers at some point. Doing so is possible, but it's a challenge. You can save yourself years of wasted work by getting a job in the right industry.
Meanwhile, if you get a job in an industry that has good mobility, you can invest in your career. You can put in time and effort knowing that, one day, you will be repaid with a promotion or other advancement. It’s much easier to stay late or attend training when you know you will eventually be repaid for your efforts.
List of Careers with Upward Mobility
Convinced that upward mobility in the workplace matters? Then you should consider any of the following careers. Keep in mind that the employer is just as important as the career. At times, employers aren’t keen to promote from within or offer opportunities to employees. Nevertheless, all of the following careers usually encourage upward mobility.
Hospitality Jobs
In the hospitality industry, there are usually many opportunities for moving up. For instance, you could start out as a bartender. After a few years of hard work and dedication, you could move up to a management role. The same is often true of working in fast food and being a server.
In a hotel environment, the opportunities are similar. It’s not uncommon for people to start out in an entry-level position and work their way up the ladder. If you have good people skills and a passion for the industry, you can end up in an advanced position. Even better, it usually doesn’t take long for people to climb the corporate ladder of hospitality. The entry-level roles in this industry tend to have high turnover rates, so employers value employees who stick around.
Maintenance Jobs
Working as an HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician could be a gateway to a higher-ranking job. Typically, workers start out as apprentices and need no or limited experience.
After training and working, these employees can advance to journeymen and eventually be a master in their craft. At times, workers branch off and start their own companies.
Construction Jobs
If you like working with your hands, you should consider applying for any number of entry-level construction jobs. Once again, this is another industry in which you can quickly and easily move up. This industry heavily relies on on-the-job training along with insider knowledge. As you work in construction, you can obtain certifications that allow you to work up to foreman, manager, and other supervisory positions.
Although people think of this industry as intense, it doesn’t have to be. There are many different types of construction jobs, and you can pick one that plays to your strengths.
HR Jobs
The HR niche is great because it’s almost always in demand. Most large companies have HR employees and hire entry-level workers to do things like onboarding paperwork.
If you remain with the same company for some time, you could make a lateral move or advance to a better-paying role.
Warehouse Jobs
In an industry with relatively high turnover rates, a warehouse worker can be in high demand. If you start out as an entry-level warehouse worker, you can work your way up the ranks in no time. You may qualify for a managerial position after only a couple of years.
Most warehouse jobs supply on-the-job training and even offer paid certifications and training. Even if your end goal isn’t to work in a warehouse, the experience and job title could allow you to transfer to a high rank in another industry.
Accounting Jobs
If there’s one thing every business needs, it’s an accountant. Every business in the country could benefit from hiring an accountant to handle their budgets and do their taxes.
Although you may only start out as an entry-level accountant, you can easily progress upward. You might end up freelancing or starting your own accounting firm, and then you get to be the boss. If you stay in the corporate world, you could be a chief financial officer.
Public Relations Jobs
While some public relations jobs require a degree, others don’t require much education. All jobs in the industry share one common trait- they allow for upward mobility.
If you stay updated on the latest technology and take advantage of internal training, you can advance. You might move up your department or take a job with a large, well-known company.
Management Consulting Jobs
This is a job you might not be familiar with, but you may want to consider it. As a management consultant, you would work with organizations to increase both their efficiency and their profits.
Once again, this industry often hires from within. You could increase your rank by taking a role with a large company or creating your own business.
Marketing Jobs
Usually requiring very little advanced education, marketing jobs come with a great deal of flexibility. You can start anywhere in the industry and propel yourself upwards.
If you have a creative mind and stay current on marketing techniques, you can advance from an entry-level marketer to a manager.
Be on the Right Path
Ultimately, you should get on the right path for a bright future. If you work in an industry with upward mobility, you could enjoy a higher salary, more job security, and more flexibility.