If you have been working for around a decade and you have entered lower management already, you are doing very well. It is a long and difficult journey to top level management and if you think you are ambitious, here are a few signs that you should be able to relate to.

1. Always looking for a better position – The only reason you knew about that Financial Planning & Analysis Manager opening is that you registered with a leading recruitment agency. Listing with sector-specific recruitment agencies means you get notified when certain vacancies arise and you only need to be in the right place at the right time to land the job of your dreams.
2. Strive to beat targets – If you are always looking at productivity with a view to making improvements, you can be classed as ambitious. Making a name for yourself is one way to attract the right attention from the management, while demonstrating a high level of commitment will surely not go unnoticed.
3. You are a life-long learner – Those who understand that life is all about learning will go far whatever career they choose; we can all find ways to become better people. Don’t be afraid to learn new skill sets and approach everything with an open mind and that will always stand you in good stead. If you relish challenges, this should be evident to those around you and you might have an air of confidence about you that people find reassuring. Here are a few tips to create an effective employee schedule.
4. You dream big – He who dares wins, or so the saying goes and we find that ambitious types do dream of achieving major things in their life. Everything starts with a thought, a concept or a picture of the future and we should all aim high in life; you’ll go further than if you didn’t aim at all! There are those who will tell you that the only limits are the ones that you create and being an out-and-out optimist will always see you enjoy success.
5. You love your work – Some of us hate going to work, while most are fine with their job and a few absolutely love their work. If you find yourself in the latter category, you are one of the lucky ones! The best performing managers are the ones with a degree of attachment and feel as though they have some ownership of the organisation they work within. Perhaps the best advice you could give a graduate is to follow your passion, become very good at what you do and someone will pay you a lot of money to do what you love. What could be better?

If you have a firm plan for your future that involves climbing up the corporate ladder, a lot of hard work and dedication should lead to a top management job and that means a secure retirement. There will be obstacles along the way and at times, you will feel like you are not making any progress, but do not lose heart, as things always work out if you put in the effort.