Understanding Career Progression: Different Paths and What They Can Look Like

Understanding Career Progression: Different Paths and What They Can Look Like

As Recruiters, we often talk to candidates who are motivated by growth, but not everyone’s idea of “career progression” looks the same. While many people immediately think of promotions or moving into management, career advancement can take several forms, depending on your skills, goals and the industry you’re in. Understanding these avenues can help you plan your next move strategically.

1. Vertical Progression – The Traditional Ladder

Vertical progression is the most familiar form of career growth. It involves moving up the hierarchy within your current field or organisation.

What it can look like:

• An Office Coordinator becoming an Office Manager.
• A Customer Service Representative moving into a Team Leader or Supervisor role.

Benefits:

• Increased responsibility and leadership opportunities.
• Often comes with higher pay and additional benefits.

Things to keep in mind:

• Requires consistent performance and demonstration of leadership potential.
• Can sometimes be slow in smaller organisations with fewer hierarchical levels.

2. Lateral Moves – Broadening Skills

Lateral progression focuses on moving across roles at a similar level to build new skills, knowledge or exposure.

What it can look like:

• Moving from Customer Service to Administration to understand administrative processes.
• Transitioning from Internal Sales into Business Development or Account Management.
• Shifting from Procurement to Supply Chain or Logistics coordination.

Benefits:

• Expands your skill set and makes you more versatile.
• Helps you discover what you enjoy most and where your strengths lie.
• Can prepare you for future leadership roles.

Things to keep in mind:

• Pay may not increase immediately.
• Success depends on your willingness to adapt and learn new skills.

3. Specialist or Expert Path – Becoming the Go-To Person

Some professionals prefer to deepen their expertise rather than moving into management. This is often called a technical or specialist progression path.

What it can look like:

• A Procurement Officer becoming a Category Specialist or Procurement Analyst.
• A Transport & Logistics Coordinator becoming an Operations or Compliance Specialist.
• A Customer Service professional becoming a CRM or Process Expert.

Benefits:

• Positions you as a highly valued expert in your field.
• Can lead to niche roles that are in high demand.
• Often comes with recognition, professional development and sometimes higher pay without management responsibilities.

Things to keep in mind:

• It requires ongoing learning and staying current in your field.
• Specialist roles can sometimes limit lateral movement outside your area of expertise.

4. Entrepreneurial or Portfolio Career – Creating Your Own Path

For some, progression means diversifying experience or taking on new challenges rather than following a traditional route.

What it can look like:

• A Sales professional taking on additional responsibilities in a new market segment or leading a product launch within their company.
• A Logistics or Transport professional managing multiple projects or coordinating operations across different regions.
• A Customer Service or Administration specialist leading process improvement initiatives or managing cross-departmental projects to develop broader skills.

Things to keep in mind:

• Requires strong organisation, time management, and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
• Success depends on being proactive and taking initiative.
• Provides opportunities to develop leadership, project management, and strategic skills that can accelerate career growth.

5. Hybrid Progression – Combining Paths

Many people find the most satisfying growth comes from a combination of these paths. You might move laterally for experience, take on specialist projects and then step into a leadership role when ready. The key is to stay intentional about your career choices and align them with your long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

Career progression is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re aiming to climb the ladder, broaden your skills, become an expert, or create your own path, knowing your options can help you make strategic decisions that align with your skills, interests, and lifestyle.

If you’re unsure which path is right for you, consider speaking with a recruiter – we can provide insights into the local market, future opportunities and what skills employers are actively seeking here in Newcastle.

 

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