There is so much to potentially gain from working a job that isn’t ideal. In fact, a stepping stone role can be highly valuable toward reaching your dream position. But what is a stepping stone role and what are the benefits? Let’s take a look.
What Is a Stepping Stone Role?
As the name suggests, a stepping stone role is a position that isn’t your dream job, but takes you one step closer to it. For example, you might have a passion for logistics, but you can’t find or aren’t qualified for a logistics position. You could take a warehouse job with some logistics responsibilities instead. This will give you knowledge and experience to help boost your resume when you’re ready to apply for that logistics job.
Benefits
Advantages of a stepping stone role may include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Experience in a related industry. As in the warehouse example above, this type of job helps you gain experience that is related to the role you want. This can build your resume and make you more competitive in the future.
- Networking with relevant people. As the old saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Working with people who are adjacent to the position you want helps you get noticed, and you might even be able to get a recommendation for your dream job.
- Further training/education. On-the-job training is extremely important for many roles. You’ll learn a lot of things that could be important when you land your dream position, while showing that you have the basic skills that are required.
- A good opportunity until you find something else. Unless you’re independently wealthy, you probably need to work. If it’s not time for your dream job yet, wouldn’t you rather fill the hours doing something related to it?
If you’re on the path to your dreams, but the perfect position hasn’t manifested yet, consider a stepping stone role instead. You’ll have the chance to learn and grow in a related job while building valuable contacts in your chosen industry. Also, consider these New Year’s resolutions to take your career to the next step.
Ready for a new job?
If you think a new role could be in your future, consider searching with SURESTAFF! We can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
