How to Grow Your Career While Working Remotely

Remote work offers flexibility, but it can make it harder to get the visibility and opportunities that naturally arise in an office. This article covers how to actively grow your career while working remotely.

The Visibility Problem

Someone working in an office naturally gains visibility through hallway run-ins, spontaneous conversations, and small interactions before and after meetings. When working remotely, you need to create that visibility deliberately.

Ways to Increase Your Visibility

• Share your achievements regularly. Giving your manager short weekly/monthly updates helps your contributions get noticed.
• Keep your camera on (when possible). Participating with your camera on in video calls builds a stronger connection.
• Be clear and thoughtful in written communication. In remote work, written communication (Slack, email) becomes your "voice" — leave clear, constructive, and consistent contributions.
• Participate actively in virtual meetings. Instead of listening silently, asking thoughtful questions and sharing ideas makes you visible.

Create Your Own Growth Opportunities

Mentorship or learning opportunities that arise organically in an office environment may not come on their own when working remotely:

• Ask for regular 1:1s. Schedule regular conversations with your manager about your career goals.
• Take advantage of virtual networking opportunities. Build connections through internal communities, online events, or LinkedIn.
• Build your own learning plan. Actively develop your skills through courses, certifications, or personal projects (see How to Add a Projects Section to Your Resume).

Take Advantage of Opportunities to Go Into the Office

If you have a hybrid work model, choosing to go into the office specifically for important meetings or team events can offset remote work's visibility disadvantage.

Don't Forget Boundaries Either

While working to increase your visibility, don't fall into the pressure to be "always available" — this can lead to burnout. Striking a balance between visibility and setting boundaries matters.

Conclusion

Career growth while working remotely doesn't happen passively — it requires deliberately creating visibility, getting regular feedback, and building your own growth opportunities. This active approach makes up for the natural advantages of an office environment.