What can I do in the early years of my career to make myself an attractive candidate if I switch firms later?

I’m starting out of undergrad in a S&O role at a mid sized firm that doesn’t have great career progression or salary. I’m interested in moving to a T2 firm after I stay here for 2-3 years and get promoted once.

Obviously I’m not going to get too caught up in my plans and neglect my work here, but I was curious what I should be doing in the meanwhile to make that transition easier. Focus on getting certifications? Form connections with people here who came from those firms? Try to get involved with this firm’s orgs like how I did extracurriculars in college for my resume (lol)?

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High visibility internal org, try to work on some publicly published material (e.g. thought leadership), leadership in a volunteering org outside of work, joining a trade organization as part of your company's representative group, ...

You should also be networking (maybe more casually) with people within your firm and outside who might have a useful perspective when considering a switch. Odds are, if you're likable they could recommend you to a firm, etc.

 

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