6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder

6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder 6 Cheats to Help You Rocket Up the Corporate Ladder Even though the bedrngnislage-so-ambitious are bailing out of the corporate rat race in swarms, it hasnt exactly becomemuch easier for the remaining workers to climb the organizational ladder. There still remain millions of workers all over the world competing for the limited number of elite management positions at the top.Climbing up the management ladder is as hard as its ever been, so I thought I would outline some hints and tips to help you get an edge on the competition1. Get an master of business administrationDespite what the skeptics might tell you,it seems that MBAs do confer upon their holders a number of benefits.Post-MBA starting pay is 50 percent higher than pre-MBA pay for full-time students, and part-time MBA graduates also see incremental boosts in pay. The payback period for an MBA is about four years on average.So, the message is simple getting an MBA seems to b e a very effective way to accelerateyour careeradvancement.2. Be Adaptable and FlexibleWhen your boss asks you to do some tasks that are outside of your job description, resist the temptation to say, Thats not my job. Why? Because 71 percent of employers see this lack offlexibility and adaptability asa red flag, one that could prevent you from getting a promotion.If you want to be seen as a promotion prospect, and you shouldalways be willing to take on work outside of your job description.3. Become the Managers FavoriteA survey from Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business found that 56 percent of senior executives had favorites for internal promotions before interviews even took place, and that 96 percent of these executives ended up giving the promotions to their favorites. That means that, regardless of whether or not it is fair, one of the best ways to climb the corporate ladder is to become the managers favorite.This may be easier said than done, because you may simp ly not be your managers type. However, there are somethings you can do to get into your managers good graces. Go above and beyond the call of dutyat work, and be sureto showan interestin your bosss hobbies.Do you and your boss both enjoy endurance sports? Thenuse that to your advantage and bond with your manager over that marathon you just ran.4. Take an Overseas AssignmentMercers 2012 Worldwide Survey of International Assignment Policies and Practicesshows that one of the top five reasons for international assignments is to support career development. In a global business world, research shows that multinational employers favor management candidates who have international experience. Having international experience on your resume is a great way to boost your promotion potential. The next time you see an opportunity for a not-so-glamorous role overseas, jump at the aussicht to take it. View it as a freestepping stone in your career.If you cant get an overseas assignment, consider le arning a second language, preferably in a country where your company or industry commonly does business. This should also increase your attractiveness as a potential manager.5. Start Your Own Business and Build Your Management SkillsIf you are struggling to be seen as promotion material, one option is to leave your company and start your own business. This will enable you to develop skills in sales, marketing, finance, people management, customer relationship management, and customer satisfaction. After gaining a few years of experience, you can either continue on your self-employed path or rejoin the working world at a higher level, thanks to yourvery impressive resume.6. Wear Professional AttireAsurvey developed by OfficeTeam found that 80 percentexecutives agreed that clothing choice can affect an employees chance of earning a promotion. It seems that something as simple as presenting apolished appearance, wearing a suit, and dressing so that you look like management material is a great way to make yourself more promotable.If yourequesting to reach the top of the corporate ladder, these tips should help give your journey a little boost. They may not solve all of your problems, but theyll definitely make you more promotable and give you some serious advantages over your competitors.