I'm ambitious, but not sure how to get ahead at my company. What's the best way to position myself for promotion?

First and foremost, demonstrate that you can do your current job well. Don't just get things done, get them done well and done early.

Second, figure out what additional responsibilities and expectations exist for the role you want to move into. Will you be expected to provide more in-depth analysis? If so, work that into the stuff already on your plate. Will you work with a new system of some kind, such as software? Seek out training opportunities for it. Does the job come with supervisory responsibilities? Look for chances to take someone under your wing, even if it's just the intern getting coffee. Start doing this now, before you ask for the bump.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, communicate. Develop a good relationship with your colleagues and boss, and then after you performed step one and started step two, explain your intentions and ask their advice. Make your behavior better than your boss expects, thereby earning their support. In essence, be a problem solver, not a problem avoider.

Appearance goes a long way, too. Don't necessarily outdress your boss and coworkers. Instead, take the classic advice: Dress for the role you want, not the role you have. Turning your current job into a showcase for what you can do and what you aspire to do can sometimes be the best way to promote yourself. E