CLIMBING THE CAREER LADDER

Having studied hard for several years, it is normal that university graduates don’t want to start
at the bottom in their chosen career. They have to realize however that the background
knowledge they gained in university needs to be supplemented with experience that can only
be got from working in a company. Unfortunately, sometimes that will mean taking an entry
level position to start with.

Many graduates are unwilling to do this as they feel that they deserve a better position and will
only accept that. It is important to bear in mind that this first position is just a starting point, a
chance for you to show your employer what you are really worth. This means that you will be in
competition with other new recruits to prove you are the best.

There are, however, some steps which can be taken to make sure that you soon progress up
the career ladder.

It is important that when looking for your first position, you take into account the prospects that
the firm offers such as training which will turn you into a more valuable employee. If you have
the chance, you should speak with your peers within the company to see if they are happy
working there.

You should also consider the type of company you apply to as a lot of larger firms offer a fast
track program for graduates which will allow them progress through their career path much
faster than is usually possible. These programs are a great way to get a quick promotion if you
can impress your supervisors and managers and show them that you deserve to be promoted.

However, even if you are not fortunate enough to enter such a firm it doesn’t mean that you will
not be able to progress quickly to your desired position as most firms big or small have staff
appraisals at least once a year. During this appraisal, you will have the chance to argue your
case for promotion providing you deserve it. Although, it is always possible that if your
performance does not meet expectations you could face demotion too.

It has always been the case that an employee who can demonstrate superior ability in their
work will be marked by management for rapid promotion.

Of course, nowadays in a changing business environment, nothing is guaranteed. The trend

for restructuring has meant that employees who should have been in their dream position
ended up in a completely different area of the company. This is why, it is now more important
than ever that you can [adapt] to face new challenges.

So, remember that the saying ‘knowledge is the key to success’ may be true, but in the
modern business world it is just one of the keys and that to make a success out of your career
you have to be prepared to start lower, work harder and change your expectations when
needed. Providing you follow the advice in this article, you should be able to avoid ending up in
a dead-end job and be able to reach the position you want."
 2. Create 2 sentences in “Past Simple” tense related to the information
presented in the previous text.

Past Simple Tense: Sentences

A) University graduates studied hard for several years, often with the expectation of not
starting at the bottom of their career ladder.
b) Some employees found themselves in completely different areas of the company
after restructuring, despite their initial expectations and hard work.

3. Create 2 sentences: one in “Past continuous” and one in “Past perfect”

tense related to the information presented in the previous text.

Past Continuous y Past Perfect Tense: Sentences

a) Past Continuous: Graduates were competing with other new recruits to prove they
were the best when they started their first position.
b) Past Perfect: The firm had offered a fast-track program for graduates, which had
allowed them to progress through their career path much faster than usual.

4. Using the information of the previous text, create 5 sentences where

'modal verbs' are used and write them in the next chart. Also, write the use
or function of the modal verb used. Do not repeat modal verbs.

sentense Modal verb Use

University graduates may hesitate to May Express possibility or permission.

accept entry-level jobs
They should consider the training Should Express advice or recommendation.
opportunities available
Larger firms often offer fast track Often Express likelihood or frequency.
programs for graduates
Employees could face demotion if their Could Express possibility or suggestion.
performance is lacking
Graduates must be prepared to start at Must Express necessity or obligation.
lower positions
5. Mention at least 3 of the most important and relevant “General

ideas” of the previous text:

“General ideas”
1. The Importance of Experience: Despite their academic
accomplishments, university graduates need to understand
that practical experience, often gained starting from entry-
level positions in a company, is crucial to supplement their
theoretical knowledge
2. Career Advancement: There are strategies that can help
graduates advance in their careers. These include considering
the growth opportunities a company offers, such as training
and fast-track programs, and demonstrating their value to
their employers.
3. Adaptability and Resilience: Given the dynamic nature of
the modern business world, it's essential for individuals to
adapt to new challenges and changes, such as company
restructuring. Success in one's career often requires starting
at lower positions, working hard, and adjusting expectations
as needed.

6. Mention at least 3 of the most important and relevant “Specific ideas”

of the previous text:

“Specific ideas”
1. Entry-Level Positions: The text specifically mentions that
university graduates often need to start their careers in entry-level
positions, despite their academic achievements, in order to gain
necessary practical experience.
2. Fast-Track Programs: It highlights the existence of fast-track
programs in larger firms. These programs allow graduates to
progress through their career path at a faster pace than usual,
provided they can impress their supervisors and managers.
3. Annual Staff Appraisals: The text points out that most firms,
regardless of their size, conduct staff appraisals at least once a
year. These appraisals provide an opportunity for individuals to
argue their case for promotion, but also carry the risk of demotion if
performance does not meet expectations.
 7. Using the ideas that you previously identified, write down a
summary of at least 8 lines that complies with the next characteristics:
Expressed with your own words, Clear, Precise, grammatically
coherent, without losing the communicative sense.

Summary

Despite their academic achievements, recent university graduates need to appreciate the importance of
practical experience, often gained in entry-level positions. This is a crucial step to complement their
theoretical knowledge. To advance in their careers, graduates can consider the growth opportunities
offered by companies, such as training and fast-track programs, and demonstrate their value to their
employers. In the dynamic modern business world, adaptability and resilience are essential. Graduates
must be prepared to adapt to new challenges and changes, such as company restructuring. In addition, most
companies conduct staff appraisals at least once a year, which provides an opportunity to argue for
promotion, but can also lead to demotion if performance does not meet expectations .

REFERENCIAS
Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? (2024). En Cambridge Grammar.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/past-perfect-simple-or-

past-perfect-continuous

Past Simple: el pasado simple en inglés | British Council. (s. f.).

https://www.britishcouncil.org.mx/blog/past-simple

Worksheetsplanet. (2023, 28 septiembre). Modal Verbs Examples. Worksheets Planet.

https://www.worksheetsplanet.com/modal-verbs-examples/