Beyond the work, align and apply are critical steps for career advance

After two decades in emerging technologies, I have recently learned that I did not understand the rules of the professional game, such as the importance of applying earlier and aligning to career sponsors.  I thought my good work and measurable results would pave an optimal path for the future.

Now, as an entrepreneur working to advance and retain women in tech and related fields, I review industry studies, dig into related research and follow talent experts. I am certain that what I have learned over the last few years would have changed my career choices and related actions. I am certain; some small but proactive tweaks would have catapulted me in my desired direction earlier in my career. 

Although there are numerous tactics in my recent book “Accelerate your impact: Action-Based Strategies to Pave Your Professional Path,” for women, I would like to highlight a few that I think would have accelerated my career trajectory.

Somewhere along the way, I, along with many other women, have collected a theory that we have to be 100 percent or even more prepared before we apply.  Now, I am not sure how or why this exists because it seems to be gender-specific based on the research that highlights that men are comfortable applying after 60 percent. After conducting an informal study, I have come to learn that this seems true. Women do not want to let others down, so in turn, they wait until they are exceptionally prepared before asking or applying for more responsibility. This approach often leaves us, women, in middle management position or lower within organizational charts.  

Think about it, over your life time waiting to be a 100 percent can create a valley of missing opportunities, experiences and knowledge. We also miss our chances to develop our confidence in new areas.  Leaping before you are 100 percent ready allows you to exercise your ability to stretch in new ways, which could enhance your self-efficacy. 

A career sponsor is someone who goes beyond a mentor.  They give you more than advice and guidance; a career sponsor also leverages their social capital to help your goals become a reality.  This could show up in many forms such as making a formal introduction to key decision makers, putting a call into hiring managers, or even nominating you for a promotion or award.  

Career Sponsors are critical to professionals that are looking to increase their impact. Through my research, women often lack sponsors and once again lack the alliance needed to open future doors.