This article follows our earlier piece on how early promotions can sometimes be biased. We’re sharing actionable recommendations for women in marketing procurement (or any industry) to take control of their careers. This can be hard — especially if you’re just starting out, feeling unsure, or new to a role or company. But you can totally do this.

We know the advice might sound familiar, but we’ve added in some of our own experiences to make it more relatable and useful for you.

Enhance Your Skills with Professional Development

Don’t overlook professional development opportunities — there’s a lot out there, and some of it’s even free! Check out courses and certifications from organizations like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or the American Marketing Association (AMA). If you’re working in the U.S., your company might already be a member of both CIPS and AMA, as well as the Association of National Advertisers (ANA). Even if you’re outside the U.S., you can still access a lot of these classes online. If not, look into local or regional associations like ISBA in the UK.