Thinking proactively. -

Success through employment is one of the options you have. I recommend that your objective is to have a clear career focus on the corporate / organization level you eventually plan to reach.

As a government employee or civil servant, however brilliant you may be, being well-networked with political leaders and other high-level civil servants is critical for your fast career progression.

You will likely complete university at 23 years. Get your first job at 25 years. And work for another 5 years to get a promotion into a managerial role. That assumes a merit system where performers are identified and rewarded. However, the real workplace is like a jungle. To survive, small plants must climb on the big trees to see sunlight. You too, to get a head, must network effectively so as to climb the corporate ladder.

In formal employment – corporate, NGO, or government, the people who get a head or earn decent salaries are those that are in charge of a budget. Usually, those at the head of department level.

Depending on your strategic outlook and corporate politics maneuvering, it might take you another 5 years to be promoted to a managerial level or a level you are put in charge of a budget. That is a cool 35 years.

To shorten the process, when you get a job in formal employment, focus on three things (i) training, (ii) exposure, and (ii) networking. On the job and in leadership, training expands your knowledge and perspectives. Be passionate about learning a lot about the organization, the strategy, areas of focus, the movers and shakers, and their key job outcomes. Know the critical job pressures of your top bosses and always be exploring where you may help. Never wait to be asked to help. Volunteer to help your colleagues and most critically your managers. Be proactive. Let them feel you.

Train a lot and be recognized as an expert, in the key areas of focus for the organization. If you work at IGG, for example, be a recognized leader in computer forensics or fraud examination or report writing, or other specific skills you may notice. Once you get the skills, any superior skills, ask HR to organize classes so that you induct all new recruits. That way you become a key player and get recognized. All new staff will respect you highly.

Try to ask the secretary of the boss, what are their key challenges or job pressures. Is it presentations, if yes, on what topics? Is it a particular report? What is the source data? Try to know your key senior leaders and make their work light. That way you will succeed easily.