In many companies, there is no established career path for advancement. Your job is your job. When I was a technical writer at two different companies, there was no senior level position or an editor's position.  If I wanted to advance, I needed to either go into management or transfer to another area within the department.

Below are a list of things you can do to prepare your career path.

1. Be the best that you can be. Know your job and know the business of your company.

2. Document all of your processes. Look for process improvements. Look for ways to increase quality and efficiency and to lower costs.

3. Mentor others in your job. If your company has an internship program, offer to be a mentor. It's a great way to demonstrate your management and people skills.

4. Talk to your manager or HR department to see what opportunities are offered in your company.

5. Take advantages of classes, trainings, seminars, and webinars.

6. Read professional journals, websites, and blogs in your field. If your company won't fund a professional membership, look for the free sites. There are a lot that are available.

7. Volunteer at your company. We have a committee that plans social events, a volunteer committee, and a Toastmasters chapter. All are always looking for volunteers. They also offer employees a way to demonstrate their leadership, planning, and project management skills. (If you do volunteer for something, make sure that you follow through. You don't want to be remembered for the wrong reasons.)

8. Join professional groups or networks. Network with others in your field. Many of these groups also offer leadership opportunities if you want to volunteer. I was the lone technical writer for a while. It was nice to network once a month with other writers and like minds.)