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Ask the Gen Y Expert: How to Transition into Management

Featured Author:

Lindsey Pollak

Lindsey Pollak is a nationally recognized expert on career and workplace issues. She is the author of Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World (HarperCollins) and Global Spokesperson for LinkedIn. Her advice and opinions have been featured in such media outlets as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, NPR, and NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Lindsey writes a top-rated career advice blog.

More articles from this author:

• Ask the Gen Y Expert: Making the MBA Decision
• Ask the Gen Y Expert: The Technological Generation Gap
• Ask the Gen Y Expert: How Can I Get Recognized for My Hard Work?

Being new to the workforce isn’t easy. Let Excelle help you! We’re delighted to introduce a new weekly column by venerated Generation Y career expert, Lindsey Pollak.

She’ll be taking member questions each week, on topics ranging from finding your first job, to getting a promotion and managing office politics. Submit your question here.


This week, a community member wants to know how to advance her management career.

Dear Lindsey,

Thank you,
Beverly

Dear Beverly,

First of all, congratulations on completing two advanced degrees! That’s a major accomplishment and will certainly help you achieve your goal of moving into management.

While it’s no secret that the job market is very tough right now, I do believe it is possible to achieve your dream. Here are some tips to help you get there.

Believe that you are already a leader. I disagree that you’ve “never functioned in a leadership capacity.” Have you spearheaded a group project in school, planned an event, mentored a younger person, served on the board of an extra curricular organization, given a speech, captained a sports team, launched a blog, babysat? All of these activities — and many others — are examples of leadership that have helped prepare you for the role you want to take on now. You don’t need to have held a title like “manager” or “vice president” to have leadership experience — and the confidence that goes with it. Start thinking of yourself as a leader right now and others will start to see you that way as well.