Recently there have been several articles published about the value of working for huge companies and moving from field to field and department within those companies. I would discourage most employees from doing so unless that is part of their “career path” as guided from at least two levels of management above them.
Why are moves within a large company not career enhancers?
• Everyone needs an area of expertise until they hit middle management. By moving from department to department, you only have a moderate level of expertise and will be judged as such.
• Moving from department to department labels you as a short timer rather than as someone on the way up. Staying in one department or field and creating a record of success in that department or field will get you noticed. If you just move around, odds are you will not build a period after period set of performance results and accomplishments.
• Whether it is marketing, sales, operations, IT, finance or another area, to become middle management or higher requires both knowledge and performance over time. A few years in each just creates as career patchwork.
• If you are unhappy with your company, moving to another department will not change things. If you are truly unhappy, stay in your field and find a job with another company.
Rather than moving from department to department, spice up your career – and your resume with:
• Additional education and certifications.
• Professional organizational participation.
• Actively network within and outside of your company within your industry and your field.
• Volunteer for task forces and special projects which will have a major impact on the business and which have executive level sponsorship and visibility.
After all of this, if you still have time and energy, follow your passion through your hobbies and avocations outside of work.
No comments:
Post a Comment