Here's how you can navigate a career change within the same company.

It's important that companies have a career path for their employees so that at no point employees feel "stuck" or have outgrown their position. Communicating your interest in other areas within the organization is important. Take a course to support this interest. Develop new skills and discuss with your superior and HR that your skill set may "best be" suited for or within another department. Seek opportunities to cross train however at no point remain in a position where productivity is impacted negatively.

Third party validation is the most effective in a direct path to that internal promotion. I have rarely seen a promotion happening bc of someone agreeively applying for one. Someone else needs to see and want you to be in that new role. So be a little more self aware, a little more bold in taking credit where you rightfully have it, and start asking for advice from those who are going to influence this promotion. the best way to get a job is to ask for advice. The best way to get advice is to ask for a job.

When you first recognize you want to switch roles within your company, let your manager know. Nobody is going to mentor you, so inform your manager of the learning plan you've created and what outcome you believe it will have. • Show evidence of your learning and growth during your 1:1s. • Meet the hiring manager for the team you want to join. • Meet some of the team members you want to work with. • Find ways to contribute to their team before you're a part of it. This is easier said than done, but the best way to get the job you want is to already be doing it in some capacity. Just don't fall behind on your current responsibilities. Your manager is your best ally here, so you want them to be happy with your work.

A wise person once said that when you want to grow your career, the amount of time you spend doing actual work versus the time you spend networking flips, from 80/20 to 20/80. It's important for people to get to know you and what you have to bring to the company, to the department, to the project. And it's just as important for you to understand where you'd like to be within the company. The only way to know that is to connect and show interest in people and in projects. The mistake most people make is to stop networking once they have the job. In fact, networking is the best way to learn about opportunities, and to have people thinking about you as a potential candidate, without self-promotion.

- Build Relationships: Connect with colleagues in the department you're interested in. - Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide insights and guidance on the transition.

- Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor your resume to emphasize experiences and skills pertinent to the new role. - Showcase Achievements: Demonstrate how your accomplishments in your current role make you a strong candidate for the new position.

Talk to Your Manager: Have an open and honest conversation with your current manager about your career goals. - Express Interest: Reach out to the hiring manager of the new department to express your interest and learn more about the role

Research: Learn as much as you can about the new department and its goals. - Skill Development: Take any necessary courses or training to prepare for the new role. - Mock Interviews: Practice interviewing to confidently articulate your fit for the new position.

Stay Flexible: Be open to lateral moves or temporary assignments that can act as stepping stones. - Demonstrate Initiative: Show your commitment to the new role by taking on related projects or responsibilities in your current position. - Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and be patient as you navigate the transition.