Advocating for your career in 2025
In 2025, advocating for yourself at work is more important than ever.
With shifting workplace dynamics and fewer formal DEI initiatives, it’s up to you to take control, communicate your value, and position yourself for success. I’m here to help!
New year, new career momentum
If my career has taught me anything, it’s that waiting for opportunities is not a strategy – but advocating for yourself is. The workplace is shifting, corporate DEI programs are shrinking, and traditional leadership pipelines aren’t always designed with us in mind. So, what do we do?
We take charge of our own career paths.
Why self-advocacy matters more than ever
It may be 2025, but many workplaces don’t have clear systems in place to identify, support, and elevate multicultural professionals. That means if you’re waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder, you could be waiting forever. Advocating for yourself is about making sure your contributions, ambitions, and leadership potential are recognized.
1. Get clear on what you want
The first step to advocating for your career is knowing what you’re advocating for. Take time to reflect on:
What’s your next career goal? Could be a promotion, a role change, or a stretch project.
What skills do you need to develop to get there?
Who can support you on this journey (mentors, sponsors, or peers)?
What would make 2025 a career-defining year for you?
ACTION STEP:
Write down your top 3 career goals for the year. Keep them visible and use them to guide your conversations.
2. Practice your leadership voice
If you don’t talk about your career ambitions, no one else will either. Verbalizing your goals makes them real and opens doors. Start small:
Share your goals with a trusted colleague or mentor.
Prepare a script for talking about your aspirations with your manager.
Look for moments to showcase your strengths – volunteer for high-visibility projects, speak up in meetings, or contribute insights on LinkedIn.
ACTION STEP:
Schedule a career conversation with your manager or mentor within the next 30 days. Don’t wait for review season!
Leverage your network and resources
You don’t have to navigate career growth alone. The best leaders surround themselves with people who challenge and uplift them.
Find mentorship and sponsorship opportunities inside or outside your company.
Join leadership development programs tailored to multicultural professionals (like Rising Legacy! 😉).
Use company learning & development budgets to invest in career-building workshops and courses.
ACTION STEP:
Identify one professional development opportunity this quarter – whether it’s a networking event, workshop, or mentorship connection.
2025 is YOUR year. Own it!
The most successful leaders don’t wait for permission. They position themselves for opportunities, communicate their value, and build the right relationships to move forward. You are your own best advocate – and the more you step into that role, the more doors will open.
Let’s make 2025 the year we start owning our careers, take action, and RISE.
Lead the way,
PS – I created a Career Development Roadmap for you – a step-by-step guide to mapping out your goals and advocating for your next big move. Just download and print it out!
