working one's way up; rising through the ranks
Describes the process of starting from the bottom and advancing through hard work and experience, often without formal education or connections.
He worked his way up to become company president.
A craftsman who has risen through the ranks has a distinctive dignity.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
self-made person; veteran
Refers to a person who has achieved their position through practical experience and hard work, not through elite education or connections. Often used with の to modify another noun.
That politician is a self-made person with strong local support.
A veteran engineer who worked their way up is strong on the front lines.