When I got my first job out of college (at a management consulting firm) I was surprised at how much I had to market myself rather than just doing good work.
And managers are often busy with their own work -- so they don't necessarily know how to support you.
I agree that it's critical to take your own career development into your own hands.
Yes, sometimes your manager is doing their best, but increasingly, there are factors they do not control. In fact, as you get more senior, you will be better at controlling certain aspects of your work than your manager as you're closer and have more expertise.
Then what should I do under this kind of manager when I am looking for the next level of my career? To keep honing my domain knowledge which I have no desire, to practice managerial skills which I am not a manager?
I have been there in these situations. It feels like you are outgrown current role/things and never getting chances to expand. Your manager doesn’t have time to focus on your next level. He is happy you are getting things done in current role. having a sponsorship makes a great deal of difference in expanding opportunities wider. Well articulated by author.
Agree! As you approach your manager's scope, it's hard for them to create opportunities for you. In addition, they have a team of multiple people, so there's also naturally less bandwidth they can devote specifically to you.
Thank you for posting this.
When I got my first job out of college (at a management consulting firm) I was surprised at how much I had to market myself rather than just doing good work.
And managers are often busy with their own work -- so they don't necessarily know how to support you.
I agree that it's critical to take your own career development into your own hands.
yes. Great managers try to make time for their teams. However, their time is limited and sometimes your needs conflict with the needs of the business.
You are spot on. I used to want to go blame on the manager but she/he is out of her/his control.
Yes, sometimes your manager is doing their best, but increasingly, there are factors they do not control. In fact, as you get more senior, you will be better at controlling certain aspects of your work than your manager as you're closer and have more expertise.
Then what should I do under this kind of manager when I am looking for the next level of my career? To keep honing my domain knowledge which I have no desire, to practice managerial skills which I am not a manager?
I have been there in these situations. It feels like you are outgrown current role/things and never getting chances to expand. Your manager doesn’t have time to focus on your next level. He is happy you are getting things done in current role. having a sponsorship makes a great deal of difference in expanding opportunities wider. Well articulated by author.
Agree! As you approach your manager's scope, it's hard for them to create opportunities for you. In addition, they have a team of multiple people, so there's also naturally less bandwidth they can devote specifically to you.