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What Does it Take to Get Ahead?
As Doctor King eloquently implies in the opening quotation, getting ahead has something to do with how you approach the job and how well you do it -- no matter what that job is.

This chapter is built around the advice of an insightful senior executive (Petkovic, 2003). Her perspective on getting ahead, which she calls Business World 101, has three elements:

• Competence
• Office politics
• Social skills

Since these apply to all phases of one’s career, let’s narrow the discussion by concentrating on skills that apply to newly hired engineers as they progress toward becoming project engineers in the first five or so years of their careers. We’ll also make it relevant for all levels of aspiration -- from those who want to enjoy rewarding technical careers, to the most ambitious who want to become president of their companies.

Below, Petkovic’s three elements of getting ahead are covered in their order of importance for you. Technical competence is by far the most important in the early years of your career. However, don’t be put off by the last two. They exist and can be made to work in your favor. Politics are there in your work place and must be recognized and dealt with. Social skills can become an extra benefit under the right circumstances.