Ambitious young professionals often face some frustrations when they're first starting out in their careers because breaking into leadership roles is not easy. However, you have to keep your ambition alive so that it motivates you to excel throughout your entire career.

Your early days as a young professional are actually probably the most important time to be building opportunities and furthering your career interests. The following are five things you can do from an entry level position to start actively pursuing leadership roles in your career as soon as possible:

Produce quality work

The number one thing to concentrate on in the early days of your career is simply getting the job done right. You may have to start on the bottom of the totem pole, but working that entry level position creates a foundation for your career that needs to be demonstrative of reliability and integrity.

Leadership skills alone are rarely enough to succeed in a career. You're going to need at least some verifiable know-how in your industry, so focus on fulfilling your job role with excellence in your first position. 

Develop a relationship with a mentor

You should do what you can to foster a relationship with someone who has already done what you're trying to do. Whether a personal friend, family member, university professor, or co-worker, a mentor figure can be a vitally important source of advice and instruction throughout your career.

Stay out of office politics

Many professionals make the mistake of getting entangled in office politics. This can inadvertently damage your overall like-ability and create some enemies for you who could potentially damage your future prospects.

Remember that a real leader stays above petty office disputes and simply focuses on the good of the organization rather than the egos of individuals.

Take on new projects where possible

One of the best ways to acquire management and leadership skills in the early days is to take charge of side projects that your superiors don't have time to handle themselves. Succeed in the side projects you take control of and you'll demonstrate your importance and value to the company or organization you work for.

Be constantly on the lookout for higher positions

Climbing the corporate or professional ladder requires you to be constantly on the lookout for opportunities for advancement.

Don't feel discouraged from applying for a higher position because you feel under qualified. Simply the fact that you're applying will show others that you are ambitious, driven, and devoted to leading the organization.

For more information, contact companies like Executive Human Resource Solutions, LLC.