Tips for Moving from Entry-Level to Mid-Level Positions

How to Level Up: Moving from Entry-Level to Mid-Level Positions

So, you’ve been in your entry-level job for a while now. You’ve learned the ropes, built strong relationships with your colleagues, but you can’t help but feel like you’re ready for more. Sound familiar?

Making the jump from entry-level to mid-level positions can feel a bit daunting. You might ask yourself, “What exactly do I need to do to advance?” Don’t worry—I’ve been there too, and I want to help you figure it out.

This guide is designed to map out the steps for moving up the career ladder smoothly. By following these actionable tips, you’ll develop the skills, mindset, and strategies you need to graduate from your entry-level role and take that big step up to mid-level.

Understanding the difference: Entry-level vs. mid-level positions

Before we dive into the steps, it’s crucial to be clear about what separates an entry-level job from a mid-level role.

• Entry-Level: These positions are typically designed for people just starting their careers. You are responsible for tasks that require basic skills, handling day-to-day operations, and following the direction of more senior colleagues.
• Mid-Level: Mid-level professionals have more autonomy and responsibility. In these roles, you’ll not only execute tasks but also take initiative on strategic projects, make decisions, and sometimes even mentor or supervise others.

In short, moving to a mid-level role requires you to shift from merely “doing the work” to “leading the work” with more independence and impact.

Practical steps to transition from entry-level to mid-level roles

Step 1: Master your current role

This might sound obvious, but before you aim for a promotion, you need to be a rockstar in your current position. This means exceeding expectations, solving problems quickly, and continually looking for ways to improve your performance.

One tip I found incredibly useful early on was requesting feedback from my manager every few months—outside of regular performance reviews. Ask how you can grow and what else you can do to make a real contribution.

Pro Tip: Document your accomplishments. Keep a “success file” where you note down every time you go above and beyond. This dossier will come in handy when you ask for a promotion.

Step 2: Gain new skills and build on your expertise

Mid-level positions require a broader skill set than entry-level positions. Start by identifying the key competencies that professionals in your desired mid-level role have. For example, it could be advanced tech skills, leadership abilities, or industry-specific knowledge.

Then, leverage online courses, workshops, and company-sponsored training. LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy all offer skills training that you can complete on your own time. Gaining certifications is also a great way to show initiative and capability.

• Soft skills: These include leadership, communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills. Technical know-how will only get you so far—focus on these crucial abilities that are often essential in mid-level employees.
• Hard skills: These will vary depending on your industry. If you’re in tech, coding may be critical; in marketing, you may need expert analytics skills.

Step 3: Own your development by creating a career roadmap

It’s important to take control of your career. Don’t expect promotions to come without planning. Lay out a clear career trajectory for yourself—decide where you want to be in 2 or 5 years and set specific, measurable goals.

Create a plan that includes skills you need to develop, responsibilities to take on, and the kinds of projects you should be working on. Speak to mentors or managers and ask for feedback on whether you’re headed in the right direction.

Pro Tip: Try setting “SMART” goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For example, “I will master Project Management software within six months by completing an online course and leading three internal projects.”

Step 4: Volunteer for leadership opportunities

Start developing leadership skills even before you’re in a mid-level position. You don’t need to be a manager to demonstrate leadership—seek out opportunities to take charge of a small project or lead a cross-department team. Even if it’s something as simple as organizing a work event or presentation, stepping into a leadership role shows initiative.

Mid-level roles typically require mentorship and supervisory capabilities. Volunteering for leadership opportunities builds both your skills and your visibility within the company.

Step 5: Network internally and externally

Your network plays a major role in career advancement. Both internal and external connections become crucial as you climb to mid-level roles.

• Internal networking: This means building relationships within your own company. Make it a point to get to know senior colleagues across departments—invite them for coffee or collaborate on projects. This internal network can help mentor you, recommend you for new roles, or simply provide advice.
• External networking: Don’t limit your contacts to your company. Join industry groups, attend networking events, and engage on LinkedIn. Expanding your network opens you up to new opportunities and keeps you updated on trends outside your current role.

Step 6: Make your promotion goals known

One of the biggest mistakes I made in my early career was assuming that my managers would automatically notice my dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, promotions don’t always happen just because you’re doing a good job. You need to make your aspirations clear.

Have a formal discussion with your manager about your desire to move to a mid-level position. Share your career objectives, your progress on skill-building, and ask for advice on what additional steps you should take for promotion.

Step 7: Take initiative and exceed expectations

I can’t stress this enough—mid-level roles are given to people who demonstrate they can go beyond what’s expected of them. You need to show you can think critically, solve problems before they arise, and propose innovative solutions. This is your chance to differentiate yourself.

Can you streamline a process? Take the lead on a new initiative? Develop a pilot project? Whatever it is, consistently look for ways to improve operations or add value to your team.

Practical tips for making the leap to mid-level roles

Embrace feedback—even the tough kind

Actively asking for feedback from managers, peers, and even direct reports is key to development. Plus, showing that you can take constructive criticism gracefully will make you stand out as someone who’s ready for leadership.

Stay adaptable

The business landscape changes quickly—so should you! Being adaptable to new tools, processes, or challenges ensures that you’re not only relevant in your current role but also well-prepared for the complexities of mid-level positions.

Work on self-awareness

Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and the impact you have on others is a valuable trait that’s often seen in mid-level professionals. Consider taking an emotional intelligence assessment or simply reflect regularly on your behavior and interactions at work.

Keep learning

Nineteenth-century writer Oscar Wilde once said, “Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.” Never stop learning or expanding your skill set—even after you secure the mid-level role. This attitude will help you keep moving up the ladder.

Conclusion: Take action and own your career advancement

Ultimately, moving from entry-level to mid-level positions is all about taking ownership of your career. Develop your skills, build relationships, and proactively seek out opportunities to show leadership. Most importantly, be intentional with your career—don’t wait for someone to offer you a promotion; show that you’re the right candidate.

Now that you know the steps to advance your career, it’s time to put them into practice. Start by assessing your current role and laying out your career roadmap today. Want to keep learning? Check out more career advice on goal setting, effective networking, and leadership in our self-development articles.