If you’re a few years into your graduate scheme or early career, you’ve probably been told promotions are annual, at a steady pace. What if I told you, that doesn’t have to be true?
I achieved Big 4 Audit Manager in 3.75 years, where the typical pathway is 5 years. This was one of the fastest timelines in the firm. Here’s the truth: I couldn’t have done it if I didn’t understand this…
Promotions aren’t just about checking boxes. They’re about visibility, credibility, and consistently adding value, even when it’s difficult. You don’t need to overcomplicate things; the key is understanding the basics and knowing how to demonstrate readiness for the next level.
1. Understand the Promotion Cycle and Your Role
Before you try to accelerate your promotion, know the formal process:
- When and how promotions are reviewed.
- Who is responsible for advocating for you (usually it’s your line manager or direct supervisor).
- The core responsibilities of your current role
- Know what “stretch” looks like for the next level.
Bottom line: you need to excel in your current role first while demonstrating readiness for higher responsibilities. Understanding expectations clearly helps you focus your efforts strategically.
2. Deliver Consistently and Take Ownership
Being technically competent isn’t enough, promotions reward dependability plus initiative.
- Meet deadlines, take ownership of tasks, and deliver quality consistently.
- Communicate your impact: don’t assume your work speaks for itself.
- Go beyond problem-solving: identify solutions and improvements proactively.
Even small actions consistently executed show managers you’re reliable and ready for more responsibility.
3. Make Your Work Visible (Without Bragging)
Corporate environments don’t always notice quiet achievers. Visibility is about ensuring the right people see the value you bring:
- Keep your manager updated on progress.
- Share insights or lessons learned during meetings.
- Volunteer for high-impact projects or cross-team initiatives.
The goal isn’t self-promotion for ego. It’s demonstrating your contribution in a way that aligns with team and business objectives.
4. Step Up for Stretch Responsibilities
Showing readiness for the next level means taking on responsibilities above your current role:
- Volunteer for stretch projects or initiatives.
- Offer solutions proactively, not just highlight problems.
- Demonstrate leadership potential through collaboration, initiative, and ownership.
Stretch assignments are your chance to show managers you’re capable of more, without waiting for formal opportunities to arise.
5. Build Allies and Seek Feedback
Promotions aren’t earned in isolation. They’re influenced by who trusts you to do bigger things:
- Identify mentors who can advocate for you.
- Build credibility with peers, seniors, and cross-team colleagues.
- Seek constructive feedback regularly and act on it to show growth and adaptability.
Feedback isn’t just about those more senior than you, upwards feedback matters too.
The faster you can demonstrate you’re learning, improving, and contributing strategically, the quicker you position yourself for promotion. And if you really want to get that faster promotion, your feedback has to reflect that others think you’re ready for it too.
Next Steps: Accelerate Your Promotion
Getting promoted quickly isn’t luck. It’s about consistently showing readiness, impact, and credibility. You do need to work smarter, focusing your efforts and tracking your wins/contributions to make your performance clear.
For a practical, actionable roadmap to accelerate visibility, strengthen relationships, and get noticed, download my free 6 Quick Wins Cheat Sheet designed specifically for early-career corporate professionals like you. It also touches on a few other focus areas that help get promoted quickly, that we haven’t delved into just yet.
>> Download Your 6 Quick Wins Cheat Sheet here! <<
And if you did want to go even deeper, here’s my YouTube video on how I achieved Big 4 audit manager in 3.75 years.
