Ask HR: Taking the Next Step in Your Career

SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, answers HR questions each week.

Do you have an HR or work-related question you’d like him to answer? Submit it here.

While I have excelled, I feel like I can do more (and make more) than what I do in my current position. I don’t see a path for advancing in my current organization. Should I tell my employer I’m looking for my next career step? Is this a good time to ask for a raise? —Corrine

Recognizing your potential for growth and seeking ways to grow your career are commendable. And your desire to have a more significant impact at work while earning more signifies ambition and drive.

Before initiating a conversation with your employer, however, it’s essential to assess your current situation. Consider if there are opportunities for advancement within your organization. Are there new projects, responsibilities, or training programs that could help you develop your skills and better demonstrate your value?

If internal growth seems limited, having a strategic conversation with your manager can be beneficial. But instead of suggesting you might leave, focus on expressing your career aspirations and how you see yourself contributing to the company’s future. This approach can open a dialogue about potential in-house opportunities and growth paths.

When seeking a raise, be prepared to present a compelling case. Gather data on your achievements, your value to the organization, and how your performance aligns with the company’s goals. Research industry standards and salary benchmarks to support your request.

Remember: Career growth is a journey, not a destination. Whether you choose to explore opportunities within your current organization or seek external advancement, focus on your long-term goals and the steps you can take to achieve them.

I plan to graduate from college with a degree in engineering next spring. I want to ultimately work in aerospace. My mother has recommended I get a mentor. I never really understood the role of a mentor, given that I have had teachers, academic and career counselors, managers, co-workers, and friends advise me throughout my educational career and in internships. What is the benefit of having a mentor? How can they help propel my career?
—Miles

A mentor can be a powerful asset as you transition from academia to your professional career, especially in a field as specialized and competitive as aerospace engineering. While you’ve had valuable guidance from teachers, counselors, and others, a mentor offers something different: a personalized, ongoing relationship focused on your long-term career growth and success.

One of the key benefits of having a mentor is gaining access to their experience and insights. Unlike a teacher or manager, who may guide you only in a specific context, a mentor can help you navigate the broader landscape of your industry. They’ve likely faced many of the challenges you will encounter and can provide advice tailored to your specific goals, helping you capitalize on opportunities and avoid common pitfalls.

A mentor can also help expand your professional network. In fields such as aerospace, where connections can be crucial, having a mentor who can introduce you to the right people or recommend you for opportunities is invaluable. They can also provide insights into the industry’s unwritten rules and help you understand the culture of different organizations, which is critical when starting out.

Moreover, a mentor can help you develop what I call “power skills,” such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for long-term success but might not be the focus of your academic training. They can challenge you to think critically about your career choices and push you out of your comfort zone in ways that foster personal and professional growth.

To find a mentor, look for someone whose career path you admire and who has the time and willingness to invest in your development. This could be a senior engineer from an internship, a professor with industry connections, or even someone you’ve met at a networking event or through a professional organization such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Ultimately, a mentor can provide tailored advice, open doors, and help you develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the aerospace industry. Building a strong mentor-mentee relationship will enable you to approach your professional future strategically and accelerate your career trajectory.