She got 5 promotions in 6 years at IT company. Woman professional shares two rules to follow in office

In today’s competitive workplaces, climbing the corporate ladder often takes more than just hard work and dedication. Internal promotions, lateral moves, and stretch assignments have become essential strategies for long-term career advancement. But what does it actually take to rise through the ranks in today’s job market? For one woman professional working at a tech company, the answer came down to following two practical rules—an approach that helped her secure five promotions in just six years, setting an inspiring example for others aiming for similar success.

Do The Job Before You’re Promoted

According to Business Insider, one of her primary strategies was both simple and effective: consistently perform at the level above your current role. She made it a point to study the expectations of the next position on the ladder and began incorporating those responsibilities into her daily work well before she was asked to do so.

This included volunteering for complex assignments usually reserved for more senior employees—such as leading high-stakes presentations, mentoring junior teammates, or managing communications with key stakeholders. These proactive steps gave her the platform to demonstrate her capabilities and leadership potential, ultimately making it easier for her manager to push for her promotion when the opportunity arose.


She emphasized that taking on additional responsibilities should be strategic and purpose-driven. Working beyond your official role is only sustainable and worthwhile when it aligns with your long-term professional goals. Without that clarity, going the extra mile can quickly lead to burnout and disengagement.

Clarity and Communication with Managers

Another rule she swore by was cultivating honest and ongoing communication with her supervisors. Early in her career, she frequently sought clarity about performance expectations and how success was evaluated at the next level. These transparent conversations gave her a roadmap to guide her decisions and align her efforts with company-defined success metrics.

While excelling in her assigned responsibilities, she also seized opportunities to participate in special projects, innovation sprints, and cross-functional initiatives. These experiences broadened her skill set and highlighted her collaborative strengths—two attributes often considered during promotion deliberations. It also helped her become a familiar name across teams and functions, expanding her visibility within the organization.

What Experts Say About Getting Promoted

Career experts note that internal growth has gained renewed importance, especially in a job market where external hiring remains cautious due to economic uncertainty. Companies now see internal candidates as lower-risk options who already understand the culture and operations, making them more adaptable and cost-effective.

Promotion readiness isn’t determined solely by work output—it’s also about how others perceive your leadership potential. If teammates regularly come to you for advice or you’re already handling responsibilities outside your formal scope, that’s often a clear indicator that you’re ready for the next step. However, many career advancements occur through informal networks, organic recognition, and early-stage conversations—not just formal applications or evaluations.

Experts recommend focusing on making a meaningful impact and increasing your visibility across departments. Instead of asking directly for a promotion, aim to showcase results—whether through project wins, cost-saving solutions, or successful collaborations. Publicly sharing updates and wins in meetings can subtly reinforce your value to decision-makers.

Building a strong network of internal advocates is also key. These are colleagues, mentors, or leaders who can vouch for your performance and growth in promotion discussions. Paired with effective mentorship, having internal champions increases your likelihood of being seriously considered when opportunities arise.

Lastly, lateral moves should not be overlooked. Transitioning into new roles or departments can help diversify your experience, strengthen business acumen, and ultimately enhance your promotion prospects. Career growth, in the end, depends on preparation, consistent performance, and visible leadership. Acting like a leader—even before you’re officially titled as one—can often be the factor that propels you forward, just as it did for this tech professional.