In addition to being a health and wellness expert, I have a journalism degree and have worked in the media industry for several years. Most of my professional experience has been in the beauty industry. I’ve worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years. I’ve done everything from editorial to PR, social media, and digital content. I’m currently a DEI Director in L’Oréal’s Professional Products Division.
Here are some things that helped me advocate for growth and development in my career.
- Regularly share your career aspirations with your manager, even if they differ from your current role. When I saw opportunities for the business that my expertise and passions could support, I advocated to spearhead projects to bring them to life. Not only did this help me gain more experience in driving strategy and execution, but it helped me develop stronger leadership skills through intentional self-advocacy.
- Ask for stretch assignments to highlight your strengths and interests that currently aren’t within your scope of work. Now, when you make this request be sure to work with your manager on your desired outcome of taking on more work and your desired incentives. Is it a promotion? Is it more visibility and networking opportunities with senior leadership? Once you align on this, then you can measure success and next steps once the stretch assignment is completed.
- Brag about how talented you are. Beauty can be cut/ throat, especially when you’re working for the biggest beauty company in the world. When you have an idea that leads to wins make it known that it come from you! Unfortunately, people will take credit for your work and sometimes they benefit from it while you sit on the sidelines. Share your awesomeness and what you bring to the table. As an introvert I’ve had to navigate doing this. If you don’t verbalize how amazing you are, you can’t assume people just naturally observe it or know it.
You own your career path and have the power to create your dream role(s). These are just a few of the ways I’ve leveraged my voice, my talents and my passion for growing in various facets of the beauty industry to help me have a well-rounded career in the beauty industry.
How do you navigate growth in your career?