Karriere machen — to make a career. Faintly suspect in German, used of someone whose advancement is the point rather than the consequence.
Ellenbogenmensch — elbow-person. Someone who advances by pushing others aside, and the word is a judgment.
Der Aufsteiger — the climber. Used of social as well as professional ascent, and rarely without a slight reserve.
Seilschaft — a rope team, from mountaineering. Used of a group who pull each other up through an organisation, and always as an accusation.