Q: I’ve been a cog in the wheel for my entire career. I’ve tried to break into management, but haven’t broken through yet.  I have a degree in business management but have been stuck in “worker bee” roles.  Any ideas on how I can be promoted or land a manager job?

Take stock.  How do you present yourself?  Do you dress like your managers?  Have you networked with management?  Have you taken on leadership roles within your team?  These are important questions.  The harder questions require brutal self-honesty.  Are you management material?  Do your teammates view you as management material?  Do your managers treat you like a peer or a lackey?

Update education.  While you mention having a degree, what kind is it? A.A.S., B.S., M.B.A.?  How old is the degree?  Look at the managers in your current company.  What degrees do they hold?  Updating your training could increase your perceived value to your employer.  If you don’t have the time or financial resources to obtain another degree, then look into obtaining a certificate in a management-related discipline from a local college.  Most colleges offer certificate programs which typically consist of 3-6 courses.  They’re shorter and cheaper than degrees.  They can also provide a fresh coat of gloss to your qualifications.

Get experience. The age-old job seeker paradox states: “You can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job.”  This has been repeated by people trying to break into their chosen fields for many, many years.  Those who repeat it, however, need to become a little more creative.  You can gain experience in nearly any field through volunteering, being a member of a civic organization, or developing your own project.  Once you gain the “outside” experience, don’t be shy about mentioning it to management.  And be sure to get letters of reference from the “outside” people with whom you’ve worked.

IN THE CARAVAN: Stop being stuck behind Rudolph - the view never changes.  Take stock of yourself, update your education and gain "outside" experience.

NEXT FRIDAY: Last Week of the Year Productivity

Looking for more Q & A?  Check out The Lion's Pride!