Johnny C. Taylor Jr. responds to your HR inquiries in a series for YSL News. Taylor is the president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the largest HR professional organization globally, and the author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Question: I feel like I’ve done well in my role but believe I can achieve more and earn more too. However, I don’t see a clear path for promotion in my company. Should I let my employer know I’m looking for a career move? Is this a good opportunity to request a raise? – Corrine

Answer: Acknowledging your potential for advancement and seeking ways to enhance your career shows great initiative. Your ambition to contribute more while earning a higher salary is commendable.

Before approaching your employer, it’s critical to evaluate your current situation. Are there any chances for promotion within your organization? Look for new projects, responsibilities, or training programs that might help you improve your skills and demonstrate your worth more effectively.

If opportunities for growth appear limited, a thoughtful discussion with your manager could be beneficial. Instead of indicating your intent to leave, focus on sharing your career aspirations and your vision for contributing to the organization’s future. This method can foster conversations around potential internal opportunities and development paths.

When contemplating a raise, be ready to present a strong case. Collect evidence of your accomplishments, your contributions to the organization, and how your performance supports the company’s objectives. Research industry pay standards and salary comparisons to strengthen your request.

Always remember, career advancement is an ongoing journey. Whether you decide to pursue growth within your current company or seek other opportunities, focus on your long-term aspirations and the steps you can take to achieve them.

I am set to graduate with an engineering degree next spring and intend to work in aerospace. My mother suggested getting a mentor. I’ve had many advisors throughout my studies—teachers, counselors, managers, and friends—so I’m unsure of the added benefit of a mentor. How can a mentor help advance my career? – Miles

A mentor can be a valuable resource as you transition from school to your career, particularly in a specialized and competitive area like aerospace engineering. While you have received substantial guidance from teachers and others, a mentor offers a unique relationship that focuses on your ongoing career development and success.

One primary benefit of having a mentor is access to their knowledge and experience. Unlike educators or managers, who may provide guidance in specific contexts, a mentor can help you navigate the broader industry landscape. They have likely encountered many of the challenges that lie ahead for you and can provide individualized advice tailored to your aspirations, helping you seize opportunities and avoid typical mistakes.

A mentor can also assist in expanding your professional connections. In sectors like aerospace, where networking is vital, having a mentor who can introduce you to key individuals or advocate on your behalf for opportunities can be incredibly advantageous. They can also shed light on the industry’s unwritten rules and explain the culture of different organizations, which is crucial when starting your career.

Additionally, a mentor can support your development of essential skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which are critical for long-term success but may not be emphasized in your academic training. They can encourage you to think critically about your career decisions and challenge you to grow beyond your comfort zone.

To find a mentor, seek someone whose career journey you admire and who is willing to devote time to your development. This could be a senior engineer from an internship, a professor with industry ties, or a professional you’ve met at networking events or through organizations like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

In conclusion, a mentor can offer personalized guidance, open up new possibilities, and aid in developing the skills and confidence necessary for success in aerospace. Establishing a solid mentor-mentee partnership will help you approach your professional future with strategy and boost your career advancement.