According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the average person holds 11 different jobs during their career, and 60 percent of those jobs were held from ages 18 to 27. Many of us have changed jobs multiple times; however, have you ever transferred positions within your company?
The recent economic climate has forced many job seekers and recent college graduates to take the first position they were offered. Now many people are finding themselves stuck in an unfulfilling position not within their true passions or strengths. I was a recent college graduate when the economy began its down turn. I accepted a position that I knew was not where I wanted to be long-term; but I knew where I wanted to go.
It took me nearly two years to successfully complete the transition to my new position. During that time I developed many of the skills needed in my current position within a marketing team. I also had three different bosses, purchased a home, and became a father in that time. Looking back, I know that all of my hard work was worth it.
If you are interested in how to transfer positions within your company here is how I did it.
Networking
In order to get where I wanted to be, I knew I had to start developing strategic relationships with my leadership team as well as coworkers across departments. Identifying those necessary connections and building a relationship is vital for transferring positions.
I also used my knowledge of social media tools such as Twitter to reach out and connect with coworkers across departments, some of whom I had never met. If I saw an opportunity to participate in cross-departmental projects, I would always volunteer. Soon my inter-office network was growing and I was developing essential professional relationships.
Dress for Success
I learned early on in my career to dress for the job you want not the one you have. So even though it wasn’t popular among my coworkers I “tied up” every day. Trust me; if you want to get the part, you need to look the part. Leadership will take notice. This could also mean standing out by using the latest trending tech gadget, such as an iPad.
Goals for Development
When you have goals you are able to really focus on the next steps in developing your career. If you are just going through the motions you will never be satisfied. Whether you are looking at changing positions or transition into a new career make sure to set goals to achieve, and keep adding new skills to your repertoire that you will employ in your ideal position.
It is pivotal to find the career path that you are passionate about. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo, transfer positions within your company and have no regrets.
Photo credit iStockphoto
About the author: Grant Tilus is an Inbound Marketing Specialist at Rasmussen College. He started in admissions and is now responsible for creating superior content and blogging about different degree programs ranging from Human Resources and Organization Leadership to Internet Marketing. Feel free to connect with Grant on Twitter and Google+.
