Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Changing Careers Within Your Company

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Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JUNE 9, 2010 3 Tips for Changing Careers Within Your Company Making a lateral move inside an organization can be challenging. If leaders see you as an "IT guy" it can be hard to convince them you are a "marketing guy." Here are three ways to combat pigeon-holing and convince the higher ups that you're ready for a new challenge: Make it a win-win. Position your proposal in terms of the value it will bring the company. For example, explain that you have underutilized skills or capacity that could be used in a different division or for an important task. Cover your current position. Offer to train your successor or to continue to do the job part-time. Think of others. Focusing on what you stand to gain will get you nowhere. Emphasize the learning and development opportunities the move will create, such as for the junior person who can take on some of your previous responsibilities. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Make a Career Change within the Same Organization" on the "Ask the Expert: Tammy Erickson" board of the HBR Answer Exchange. Read the full thread and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Guide to Getting a Job NEW! Special 11-Article Collection Need a new job? Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change on your own, you need to search efficiently and effectively. Don't lurch from one job to the next. Use this guide to ensure that your next move is a carefully considered one. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 2 Ways to Assess Behaviors, Not Just Results 3 Ways to Boost Your Cultural Sensitivity When Your Employee is Unaware of Unspoken Rules How to Assess If You're Ready for a Global Role 2 Ways to Get Mentoring without a Mentor 3 Tips for Giving Your Boss Feedback Rid Your Organization of Email Dysfunction Be Wary of the Downsides of Entrepreneurship 3 Tips for Making Small Talk with the Big Boss 4 Tips for Speaking from a Podium BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)