Final answer:
Jerry should seek feedback, express his ambitions, enhance his job performance, network internally, and find mentors. If unfair practices are suspected, he may need to look externally or consider legal advice. Persistence and resilience, as in Jia Jiang's story, are key to career progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Jerry is being consistently denied a promotion despite having excellent skills, there are several proactive steps he can take. Firstly, Jerry should seek feedback to understand any potential areas of improvement or reasons for the denial. It may be beneficial for him to express his ambitions and ask for advice on how to achieve his goals within the company. Additionally, Jerry should continue to enhance his job performance and gather evidence of his success to strengthen his case for promotion.
Furthermore, networking within the company and finding mentors or advocates can be valuable in gaining visibility and support for future promotion opportunities. If, after taking these steps, Jerry still finds himself overlooked for promotions and he suspects unfair treatment or discrimination, it might be prudent for him to consider external opportunities or seek legal counsel if he believes his civil rights are being violated, as was the case with Jordan who sued the police department. However, any decision involving legal action should be carefully considered and discussed with a lawyer.
Lastly, Jerry should remain persistent and open to learning from each experience, as illustrated by Jia Jiang's story. Being bold in one's career aspirations and resilient in the face of setbacks can often lead to finding the job that's perfect for one's skill set and career goals.