Changing Careers Without Quitting Your Job

When most people hear the term "Career Change" the first thought that often comes to mind is handing in your resignation and pursuing an exciting job elsewhere. This attitude leaves many people neglecting a gold mine of career opportunities within their own company. Changing careers with your current employer is a lot easier than you might think.

Staying with your current company has many benefits for you and your employer. You get to keep your current benefits, skip the grueling resume-driven job-hunting process, and maintain some of the comforts of being in a familiar environment. Your employer has the chance to save the expenses associated with recruiting and retain an employee with familiar work habits who already understands the company culture. It is truly a win-win situation for everyone.

So how do you set yourself up to make an internal transition? Here are some ideas:

1. Identify what position interests you. Interview fellow employees to learn as much as possible. Investigate the possibility of spending some time in their department to get a feel for “a day in the life of…”

2. Understand the education requirements. Your company may offer internal training specifically for that position. If you need to return to school, companies sometimes offer tuition reimbursement if they know you will continue to work for them. Another big advantage of staying with your employer is they might not be as stringent with the education requirements if you’ve built a solid reputation.

3. Don’t keep your intentions a secret. Without being obnoxious and without alienating your current supervisor, make your interest to move on well known. Get your supervisor or mentor’s buy in to help you meet the right people and maneuver through company politics.

4. Maintain your performance in your current role. Don’t get so focused on your career change that you neglect your existing responsibilities. Continuing to be a strong player is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to the company.

About the Author

Myrtis Smith, the founder of Premeditated Life is a personal
and career coach. Download her FREE eBook "Your Personal
Success Guide" at www.premeditatedlife.com