How to Grow, Find Mentors, and Lead While Waiting for a Promotion
In the automotive industry, career growth can often feel slow, especially for women navigating this traditionally male-dominated space. But waiting for a promotion doesn’t mean putting your career development on hold. By taking charge of your growth, seeking out mentors, and eventually becoming a mentor yourself, you can fast-track your progress and position yourself as a leader. Here’s how you can take proactive steps to advance your skills and career, regardless of when the next promotion comes.
- Assess Your Current Skill Set The first step to advancing your career is understanding where you stand. Start by evaluating your strengths and areas for improvement. Conduct a self-assessment and use tools like SWOT analysis to gain a clear picture of your skills.Seek feedback from your supervisors, peers and mentors to get an external perspective. Understanding how others percieve your skills can reveal blind spots and highlight areas to focus on. Make sure to align your development with your long-term career goals. Whether you aime to lead a service team, transition into sales management, or become an executive, your skill-building efforts should support that path.
- Identify Skills that Set You Apart To stand out in the fast-evolving automotive industry, you need to stay ahead of trends. Focus on both technical and soft skills that are in demand. Stay updated on industry innovations like electric vehicle technology, AI-driven diagnostics, or customer service automation, and consider pursuing certifications that will set you apart.
Soft skills like communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence are equally crucial. In a field that requires collaboration and adaptability, these skills will help you manage teams, resolve conflicts, and inspire those around you.
- Create a Personal Development Plan Once you’ve identified the skills you want to develop, create a personal development plan. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that align with your aspirations. Outline the learning resources you’ll need, such as industry courses, books, webinars, or mentorship opportunities, and set a timeline to keep yourself on track.
Regular check-ins with yourself—and ideally with a mentor—can help you stay accountable and make adjustments as needed. A mentor can provide guidance, offer feedback, and help you navigate your growth journey.
- Leverage Online Learning Platforms Learning is more accessible than ever with online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and ASE certification courses tailored to automotive professionals. Take advantage of both free and paid resources to build skills at your own pace.
Commit to continuous learning by setting aside dedicated time each week for skill development. Even just 30 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
- Take on Stretch Assignments and Side Projects To truly grow, you have to step outside your comfort zone. Look for opportunities within your current role to take on more responsibility, such as leading a team project or optimizing a process. Volunteering for new challenges not only builds your skill set but also shows your initiative and leadership potential.
Engage in cross-functional projects that allow you to work with different teams, gaining a broader understanding of how the business operates. You can also start side projects that showcase your skills, like leading a new initiative or organizing a team event.
- Build a Strong Professional Network
Networking is essential to career growth, especially in a close-knit industry like automotive. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with others who share your interests and goals. Join professional groups like WIA or local automotive associations, where you can find mentorship opportunities and gain valuable industry insights.
Engage with mentors who can guide you through your career journey. As you progress, consider becoming a mentor yourself. Sharing your experiences and supporting other women helps build a stronger, more inclusive industry.
- Practice Self-Advocacy
Perhaps this is the hardest one of all for women, being your own advocate. Keep a record of your achievements, new skills aquired, and the impact you’ve had on your team or company. This documentation will be invaluable when it’s time to discuss promotions.
Regularly communicate your value to your manager. Share updates on your progress and express your interest in growth opportunities. When you’re ready to have a promotion conversation, come prepared with data and examples of how your skills and contributions have positioned you for the next level.
Skill development is a continuous journey, and it’s one that doesn’t have to wait for a formal promotion. By taking proactive steps, seeking mentorship, and lifting others as you grow, you’re not just advancing your own career—you’re shaping the future for women in automotive.
Don’t wait for a promotion to start growing. Invest in yourself, lift others along the way, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Ready to take the next step in your career? Join the WIA community, connect with mentors, and start building the skills that will propel you forward. Your promotion isn’t just a possibility—it’s a destination you’re driving toward every day.