here are a couple more thoughts on promotions. continued from
here4. Try to get a mentor (or some sort of coach)some organizations have formal mentor-mentee programs. try to get signed up for that. if not, have a chat with you HR & Manager about having an informal mentor as part of your career development. mentors are people who can help you negotiate the organization (more from a political standpoint, as opposed to from a how to do your job point). for example, a mentor can tell you all you need to know about the manager who is in charge of your career and promotional path. sometimes knowing what they like and dislike will help you position yourself correctly.
5. Always have 2 or 3 people sitting on your 'bench'.often, a promotional opportunity comes along, but you aren't selected because the organization can't find someone to fill your critical position. so... always make sure you you have a handful of people who can easily fill your role at a moments notice. this can be in formal or informal arrangement. and make sure your bosses know they exist! for example, get one to stand in for you while you are on vacation or involve them in major projects to give them visibility. and, of course, be a mentor and help them in their career journey.
good luck!