Advancing your healthcare career can be exciting as it’s an opportunity to take on new challenges and broaden your skill set. The path to promotion, however, isn’t always linear so you may have questions about whether you’re ready for your next challenge, what steps you should take to position yourself for a promotion or how to approach the conversation with your leader.
While it may seem daunting to have a conversation about your career progression, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to build your confidence and set yourself up for success.
In this article, we’ll cover some key questions to ask yourself before going for that promotion, share tips that may help boost your chances and outline key steps that will help you approach the promotion conversation with confidence.
How to prepare for the big question – asking for a promotion
Before diving straight into things and asking for a job promotion, it’s important to pause and reflect on why you want it and whether you’re truly ready.
Pursuing a promotion for the right reasons can set you up for success, while chasing one for the wrong reasons could lead to consequences such as decreased job performance, job dissatisfaction and strained relationships with colleagues and leadership.
Before asking for a promotion, some questions to consider include:
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Are you looking for a promotion purely for the pay increase?
While it’s completely valid to seek a higher salary, promotions in healthcare often come with added responsibilities and pressures. In a nurse leadership role, for example, you may have to manage a broader range of stakeholders while overseeing the quality of patient care and managing your team’s wellbeing and professional development.Although financial rewards can be enticing, they may not be enough to keep you fulfilled in the long run, especially while you’re navigating the increased demands and challenges of a promoted role.
If salary is your primary motivation, it may be worth considering other options such as taking on additional shifts or making a lateral move into a more lucrative role.
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Do you feel ready to embrace new challenges and responsibilities?
If you’ve been excelling in your current role and feel like you’ve developed the skills and confidence to handle greater responsibilities, stepping up to the next role could be the right move.Madeline Kessler, an experienced nurse and life coach, highlights that many individuals often advance their career to challenge themselves and grow their skill sets. She explains, “People often seek promotions because they want to expand their knowledge, step into new environments and test their leadership abilities by taking on team leader roles.”
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Are external pressures influencing your decision?
Sometimes, peer or societal expectations can make you feel like you should be moving up the career ladder. However, it’s important to ensure that your desire for a work promotion aligns with your own career aspirations and values rather than external pressures.It’s perfectly okay to feel content in your current position without progressing to the next step, especially if leadership responsibilities or a shift in work-life balance doesn’t align with your personal goals.
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Does the promotion align with your long-term career goals?
It’s important to think about whether a promotion aligns with your overall career aspirations. For example, if you’re in allied health and are looking to move into an allied health team leader role, will this promotion provide the right experience and opportunities to move in that direction?Similarly, if you’re in public health and aspire to work in the policy development space, taking on a leadership role in operations may not help you reach your long-term career goals.
If the promotion doesn’t align with your long-term career objectives, it may be worth having a conversation with your leader. They may be able to recommend a role that’s more suited to your career goals or help you explore alternative pathways.
Tips to help increase your eligibility for a promotion
If you’re ready to step into a promoted role, you might be wondering how to position yourself as a strong candidate. Securing a promotion isn’t just about working hard, it’s also about showcasing your skills, demonstrating your value and taking proactive steps to stand out.
Here are some tips that may help increase your chances of landing that promotion.
Tip one: Boost your competitiveness with a postgraduate qualification
According to the 2023 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey, 80 per cent of graduates stated that a postgraduate qualification prepared them very well for their current managerial or professional roles. These results highlight how postgraduate studies may help to strengthen your expertise and prepare you for career advancement.
Michelle Deroubaix, a clinical nurse and nursing career specialist, states that in the case of nurses, most already have strong clinical skills but often need to develop additional competencies to step into promoted roles.
She explains, “What they need is more support with evidence-based practice and a better understanding of clinical governance and people management. Pursuing further study in these areas can position them as stronger candidates for the roles that they’re aiming for.”
In this instance, a postgraduate qualification such as a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership may help bridge this gap as students will learn how to use the latest evidence-based theories in health practice, develop interpersonal skills needed for healthcare leadership and learn how to adapt to changing healthcare systems.
Tip two: Upskill
Beyond formal postgraduate study, continuously building your skill set through upskilling may also help with career growth.
With healthcare being a rapidly changing industry, upskilling allows you to keep abreast of trends, adapt to challenges and showcase your versatility. Some ways to upskill include taking short courses that are offered by your organisation or requesting to cross-train in different departments.
Tip three: Talk to your leader about your career goals
Since your leader is familiar with your strengths, work ethic and the value you bring to the team, it’s important to communicate your aspirations so that they can provide guidance, work with you to identify growth opportunities and develop a clear promotion plan.
Expressing your career goals will also ensure that your leader considers you for upcoming opportunities that align with your skills and ambitions.
Tip four: Volunteer to work on new tasks to gain experience
Taking the initiative to expand your scope of work is a great way to build your skill set and increase your visibility within the organisation. By putting your hand up for new tasks, you’re displaying your willingness to take on new challenges and contribute beyond your current role.
For example, a medical laboratory technician might ask to take on additional responsibilities such as assisting with quality control procedures or training new staff on laboratory protocols. This not only helps them gain valuable experience but also positions them as proactive and capable contributors to the team.
In Madeline’s case, she took on additional responsibilities when her colleagues were away or sick, “I stepped up and took on the responsibility of leading the team and managing the entire unit. I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Tip five: Network and build relationships
Networking can be a powerful tool in increasing your eligibility for a promotion in healthcare. One effective way to expand your professional network and build relationships is by joining relevant professional associations such as the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) or the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
Michelle emphasises, however, that it’s not just about being a member of these organisations but also actively participating in events and engaging with the community to fully benefit from networking and career development opportunities. You can also connect with individuals who have pursued similar roles and ask them for their advice and guidance.
Other than external networks, it’s also important that internally, you’re building relationships not only with your leader but also with colleagues and other stakeholders as these connections can provide you with valuable support and feedback.
By building trust and rapport with them, it could strengthen your professional reputation and potentially increase your chances of securing a promotion.
Tip six: Revise your curriculum vitae (CV) to showcase your skill set
It’s important that your CV effectively reflects your skill set, achievements and professional growth to date as it may be required for review by your leader or submitted through an internal portal and assessed by human resources and higher leadership.
Not having an updated CV could affect your chances of securing a promotion. Michelle recalls a time when she was reviewing a client’s CV and noticed that their passion and strengths weren't clearly stated. Upon learning that the client was struggling to secure interviews, Michelle immediately identified the issue and said to him, “That’s where we have to start, your CV needs to clearly showcase what you have to offer.”
How to ask for a promotion: Mastering the conversation
Asking for a promotion can be nerve-wracking, but if you come prepared, it’ll make navigating the conversation a whole lot easier. Here are some key steps to take that will help you approach the conversation with confidence.
Step one: Do your research
The job you’re aiming for will likely come with different responsibilities than your current role so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the roles and responsibilities and identify how you’ve developed the necessary skills to be a strong fit.
For example, if you’re a registered nurse looking to move into mental health nursing, your day-to-day will have a greater focus on mental health as you’ll be conducting mental health assessments and developing care plans tailored to psychological needs.
If you’re unsure about the specifics of the role or would like to get more information, consider reaching out to someone already working in the field.
Doing your research about the responsibilities and expectations of the role will not only help you prepare for the conversation, but it’ll also show your leader that you’re proactive and aware of what’s required in your new position.
Step two: Build your case
The next step is to build a strong case by preparing key talking points for your discussion with your leader. This includes compiling some concrete examples of why you’re ready to take the next step.
For example, if you’re a case worker looking to become a case manager, here are a few ways to strengthen your case:
1. Highlight your relevant skills and achievements
Showcase the skills you’ve developed that align with the responsibilities of a case manager and provide specific examples of your contributions and successes in your current role.
2. Lay everything on the table
If you’ve taken additional responsibilities at work to gain relevant experience or pursued further education such as a Master of Social Work, now is the time to lay it all out.
3. Anticipate potential concerns
You should also consider any questions or concerns your leader might have pertaining to you stepping into the role and prepare some responses to address these concerns.
Step three: Schedule time for a chat
Once you’ve built your case, the next step is to schedule a conversation with your leader to discuss the possibility of a promotion.
If you’re working in a fast-paced and unpredictable clinical healthcare setting where there never seems to be a “perfect” time, it’s still important to find an opportunity to have this conversation. Consider scheduling it during a quieter period such as a shift change or routine check-in where your leader is likely to be more receptive.
Your leader should also already be aware of your career aspirations and your interest in advancing within the organisation. Bringing it up abruptly could catch them off guard and potentially have a negative impact. Instead, consider this conversation as a natural progression of the conversations you’ve already had and you’re simply following up on the groundwork you’ve already laid.
Step four: Have the conversation
Now that you’ve scheduled the meeting, it’s time to discuss the promotion. During the chat, approach the conversation professionally, articulate your thoughts clearly and present the points you’ve prepared in advance.
Madeline suggests easing into the conversation and not lead with the word “promotion” right away. A simple way to start could be, “I enjoy learning and taking on new challenges and I’d love to explore the possibility of stepping into this role. What are your thoughts?”
While this conversation is important to you, remember that it’s also a two-way discussion so be prepared to answer questions and address any concerns.
Step five: Wait for the outcome
Now that you’ve expressed your thoughts, it’s time to see how your leader responds. They may provide you with an answer right away or request some time to consider your request.
In some cases, even if your leader supports your promotion, you may still need to go through a formal application process via an internal portal where it will be reviewed by human resources and higher leadership.
If you end up receiving the promotion, congratulations! This is an exciting step forward and now your focus should be on preparing for the transition and focusing on your future goals.
If you didn’t get the promotion or your leader explains that it’s not feasible at the moment, try to stay positive. While it can be disappointing, it’s also an opportunity to reassess your goals while continuing to have follow-up discussions with your leader.
Michelle also highlights the importance of continuing to look after your own personal development.
She states, “The right job will come along when the time is right. In the meantime, it’s important to focus on building your skills and preparing yourself for that future role.”
However, if you feel that your leader isn’t supportive and you’re unsure why, it might be worth considering whether your current workplace is the right fit for your career aspirations. Sometimes, growth requires exploring new opportunities somewhere else.
Regardless of the outcome, you should be proud of the effort that you’ve put in to get to this stage. Asking for a promotion is no easy feat and this experience will only prepare you for any future career conversations.
How studying a postgraduate healthcare course can take your career to the next level
Whether you’re looking to upskill, specialise or advance into a senior leadership role, there are different levels of postgraduate study that may help in taking your career to the next level.
Graduate certificate courses: A stepping stone for career advancement
A graduate certificate is a great option if you’re looking to quickly upskill in a specific area.
Typically completed in less than a year, it’s ideal for healthcare professionals who want to gain specific knowledge and skills to progress in their current roles or move into a specialised role without committing to a full degree.
Graduate diploma courses: Building expertise for career progression
A graduate diploma provides a more comprehensive understanding of a speciality area in comparison to a graduate certificate and can help you gain specialised knowledge and practical skills that may lead to higher-level responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking to expand your expertise beyond the fundamentals and position yourself for roles that require a deeper level of competency.
Master’s course: Preparing for senior leadership roles
For those aiming to step into senior leadership roles or gain comprehensive skills in leadership, strategic decision-making and research, a master’s degree provides the expertise, insights and credentials often required for senior management positions.
A master’s qualification can set you apart by showcasing your ability to lead at a higher level, influence healthcare policies and drive meaningful change within organisations.
Explore courses to support your career growth
While our university partners offer a variety of courses, here are a few that may support you in the next step of your professional journey.
Accredited courses
Studying an accredited course may assist with career progression as accreditation demonstrates that you have met the educational and professional competency requirements set by industry bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Even in industries such as counselling where accreditation is optional, employers are more likely to hire candidates who have completed an accredited course and/or are registered with an accrediting body.
At GlobalHealth Education, our university partners offer psychology courses that are accredited by APAC. These courses include:
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) at Edith Cowan University
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology at Edith Cowan University
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) at James Cook University
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology at University of Technology Sydney
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) at University of Technology Sydney
Our university partners also offer counselling courses that are accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). These include:
- Graduate Diploma in Counselling at University of Canberra
- Master of Counselling at Edith Cowan University
- Master of Counselling at University of Canberra
The University of Canberra, also offers a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) course which is recognised as a professional qualification in social work and has provisional accreditation by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Specialised courses
These courses are designed to help healthcare professionals deepen their expertise in specialised areas of healthcare, enabling them to potentially take on a promoted role with more responsibilities.
Nursing
For nurses looking to expand their clinical capabilities and develop skills in evidence-based nursing and leadership, nursing courses such as the Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney or the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing at Victoria University could be your gateway to becoming an influential and responsive leader in advanced clinical settings.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Mental health
For allied health and social care professionals who are looking to advance their careers in the mental health space and step into promoted roles such as mental health clinician or case manager, specialised courses like the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health at Southern Cross University and the Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at Victoria University could be a suitable choice.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Public health
Healthcare professionals who are looking to acquire specialised skills and move into promoted roles such as communicable disease analyst, health policy advisor or public health researcher may be interested in public health courses such as the Master of Public Health (Majoring in Data Analytics) and the Master of Public Health (Specialising in Health Promotion).
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Courses with a leadership focus
Many promoted roles in healthcare require strong leadership skills to effectively manage teams and drive strategic initiatives.
Health leadership courses such as the Graduate Certificate of Nursing (Majoring in Leadership and Management) at James Cook University and the Master of Healthcare Leadership at Southern Cross University may provide healthcare professionals with critical leadership competencies to move into roles such as nurse unit manager, director of clinical services or director of community health.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Working towards a promotion in healthcare
Securing a promotion is an exciting step in your career journey. While it may seem overwhelming to ask for a promotion at the start, taking proactive steps such as building your skills, showcasing your achievements and preparing thoroughly for the conversation can help.
Exploring further education, such as the courses offered by our university partners or seeking professional development opportunities may help you build the skills and knowledge needed to take the next step in your career.
If you have any questions about the courses offered by our university partners, or would like to learn more, select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
