Change is inevitable, especially within the early years of a professional’s career. As young professionals gain more insight into their roles, industry and colleagues, their professional journey transforms. With every new skill learned and each experience earned, their value increases—and ideally, this growth will continue throughout their careers.

But how do you know your professional worth? And how can you effectively communicate it?

When Organizations Recognize Your Value

Great organizations see the value in their employees’ growth, fostering it through recognition, promotions, leadership opportunities and training. If you’re fortunate enough to work for a company that acknowledges and rewards your growth, take it as a sign of your value. However, this recognition should not be a resting point. The journey doesn’t stop there—you need to continually assess your growth and ensure that your contributions are understood and appreciated.

What If Your Value Isn’t Recognized?

Some companies may not fully recognize the value you bring each day. In these situations, you might need to step out of your comfort zone. It can be intimidating to advocate for yourself, but it is essential. Sometimes, you are the only one who truly knows and understands the progress you’ve made. Communicating this confidently to decision-makers is key to career advancement.

Advocating for Yourself Beyond Your Current Role

It’s not just about growth within your current organization, either. Whether you are exploring a new career path, considering a transition to a different company or networking, the ability to clearly and effectively convey your professional value can be a pivotal. Being concise, persuasive and confident about what you bring to the table helps open doors.

Embracing Discomfort to Grow

But how do you begin to advocate for yourself when it feels uncomfortable? How do you sell yourself—not just your technical skills but your soft skills, leadership and potential to push beyond the status quo? It’s not always easy, but discomfort is often the key to growth. These conversations, while challenging, can set the stage for your next big career move.

Becoming the Solution

You need to know how to sell yourself as the solution to the challenges your organization faces. Highlight your unique capabilities and experiences that can drive results. By doing this, you’re not just asking for recognition—you’re positioning yourself as an essential asset.

Take the Next Step: “Knowing Your Professional Worth”

While there are many online resources available to help you begin this journey, there’s a more immediate opportunity to engage in a hands-on experience. The upcoming CYP professional development event, “Knowing Your Professional Worth,” offers an excellent chance to connect with Certified Executive Coach Mary Jo Romeo. She’ll guide you through understanding your professional value and, more importantly, how to confidently communicate it to others.

Don’t miss this opportunity to start advocating for your future. Understanding your worth is the first step—now, it’s time to share that value with the world.