climb (up) the corporate ladder

To become increasingly powerful, important, or successful within the hierarchy of a company or industry. You need to climb the corporate ladder a bit before you start taking on your own clients. I'm an artist at heart, so I have no interest in climbing up the corporate ladder. It will take a while to climb the corporate ladder in such a large company, but you'll make manager soon enough.

corporate ladder

The hierarchy of authority and earning power within a large business or corporation, likened to the rungs of a ladder. Usually used with some variable verb or phrase referring to ascension. Although you're starting at an entry-level position, this company prides itself on giving employees the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder if they prove their abilities and determination. She proved early on that she had unique business smarts, and she's been making her way up the corporate ladder ever since. It will take a while to climb the corporate ladder in such a large company, but you'll make manager soon enough.

corporate welfare bum

A corporation or executive who makes money (or is thought to make money) through tax breaks or legal loopholes. Primarily heard in Canada. These corporate welfare bums can afford to pay the taxes, but they just get their accountants to make it so they don't have to. That CEO is definitely a corporate welfare bum if we paid more in taxes last year than he did! When is the IRS finally gonna crack down on these corporate welfare bums?