Moving Up From Within: Navigating Internal Job Transitions
At Work It DAILY, we know how daunting it can be to consider applying for a role in a different department within your company. After all, your current boss and team know your strengths and weaknesses, and you've built relationships and processes that work. But sometimes, the best way to grow your career is to challenge yourself and explore new opportunities, even if they're just a few floors away.
Assess Your Boss's Approach to Internal Mobility
The first step is to take an honest look at your current manager's track record when it comes to supporting internal moves. Does your boss have a history of helping people advance to new roles and departments? Or do they tend to be more protective, worried about losing a valuable team member? Knowing your manager's tendencies will help you navigate this process.
Build Relationships in the Target Department
If you have an encouraging boss who values your career growth, great! You can have an open conversation about your career aspirations. But if your manager is more resistant, you'll need to take a more strategic approach. Before applying for the role, reach out to people in the target department to get the lay of the land. Ask about the team culture, the manager's management style, and how they generally feel about internal hires. This intel will help you determine if the fit is truly right.
Time Your Transition Carefully
Regardless of your boss's stance, you'll want to time your transition carefully. It's generally best to wait at least a year in your current role before exploring internal moves. This shows your commitment and allows your boss to see your full value. When the time is right, apply for the role, then have an honest discussion with your current manager. Position it as an opportunity you're excited about, one that's a natural next step thanks to the skills and experience they've helped you develop. This approach is more likely to get their support.
Embrace the Adventure
Making an internal move can be nerve-wracking, but it's also an incredible growth opportunity. You know the company, but you get to apply your talents in a new context. Embrace the adventure! And if you're curious about working with a career coach to further your professional goals, take advantage of our 7-day free trial to see what it's like.
Head to www.workitdaily.com to learn more.
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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