When it comes to your career and your professional future (same goes for many personal goals as well) it is essential to be thoughtful, intentional and strategic. Think long and hard about where you would like to be in 10, 15 or even 20 years and then design your strategic plan. Once you have identified your current professional summit (as it may change with time) you will need to break down the path leading to that destination into smaller, more manageable steps.
In order to accomplish this future goal you need to consider two general areas that require your action:
First, look at people currently in that position in your own firm or in other comparable firms within your industry and research how they got there. What steps did they have to take to build experience, knowledge and credibility to be able to earn a shot at the position you want in your future.
Second, plan your path to that goal and work on continuously expanding your knowledge and experience and continue advancing into positions of increasing responsibilities in a progressive manner. Your trajectory needs to be focused on your ultimate goal, yet flexible enough for adjustments when challenges come your way (and they will come).
Finally, build credibility and demonstrate commitment to firms you work for by spending several years there and providing value to those you work with. If you are what my friends and I call a “jumper” (someone who leaves every 6-12 months) at some point this might begin to count against you as prospective employers will see you as a “liability” of sorts. Most hiring managers don’t want to search for the same position every few months and go through hundreds of resumes while losing stability and continuity of their teams.
Remember, be thoughtful and intentional, be strategic!