How to Successfully Change Careers Within the Same Company?

In my long career in the corporate world, I have found changing careers within the same company can be a strategic move for lot of people. It offers numerous advantages over seeking a new position elsewhere and is much easier than trying to do that in a different company. Also when you stay within the same organization, you retain your accumulated knowledge of the company’s culture, processes, and people. This familiarity can make your transition smoother and faster compared to starting afresh in a different company. Best part is, companies also prefer to promote from within, as it reduces hiring costs and leverages existing talent which obviously benefits the ones wanting to make a move.

In this guide, I will share with you the nuances of changing careers within the same company, from understanding the long-term impact on your career trajectory to identifying opportunities and overcoming challenges. Whether you’re motivated by boredom, a newfound passion, or a desire to climb the corporate ladder, this article will provide you with actionable insights to make your career change successful.

How Changing Careers In The Same Company Is Easier Than In Another Company?

What I have found is that switching careers within the same company is often easier than moving to a new company. Best part is that you don’t even have to modify your resume. However below is a table highlighting the pros and cons:

I have found that in some cases, companies are even willing to create hybrid or customized roles that leverage your existing skills while allowing you to transition into a new area. 

Is Changing Careers Within The Same Company Worth It?

The benefits of changing careers within the same company are multiple:

Enhanced Career Growth and Development

• You can expand your skill set and gain diverse experiences across different areas of the business which allows you to become a well-rounded professional.This in turn opens doors to leadership roles and prepares you towards greater career advancement. So sometimes instead of waiting to get promoted indefinitely you can switch to a new department to learn additional skills which proves to be more beneficial in the long run.
• It also showcases your adaptability, willingness and ability to learn, positioning you as a valuable asset to the company. 

Increased Job Satisfaction and Engagement

• You are likely to have higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement in the long run because the company is allowing you to explore new interests and take on fresh challenges without having to leave the company.

At the same time, companies encourage this as this is also beneficial for them:

Improved Retention

• Offering internal mobility opportunities to employees helps them retain their high performing and high potential employees. LinkedIn data shows that employees stay 41% longer at organizations with high internal hiring compared to those without. 

Cost Savings for the Organization

• By retaining and developing existing talent rather than constantly recruiting externally, companies can realize significant cost savings over time. 

Stronger Company Culture

• Internal mobility fosters a culture of growth, learning, and opportunity within the organization. As employees move between roles and departments, it promotes greater collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across the company.

Increased Loyalty and Commitment

• When employees see clear paths for advancement within their current company, it builds loyalty and commitment. They are more likely to remain dedicated to the organization’s success over many years if they feel valued and supported in their career aspirations.

What’s The Difference Between Changing Positions, Roles, and Careers?

Lot of people use these interchangeably and the exact definitions may vary depending on the company and context but here are some of the subtle nuances that differentiate these:

• Changing Positions: This involves moving to a different job title within the same department, where the core skills remain the same but responsibilities might differ. For example, moving from Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Manager would be changing positions.
• Changing Roles: A shift in responsibilities or focus within the same discipline, such as moving from an HR generalist to an HR business partner is considered to be changing job roles.
• Changing Careers: This is a more significant shift, requiring you to enter a completely different discipline with new skills, such as moving from HR to Marketing.

Understanding these differences will help you determine the scope of your career change and plan accordingly.

Differences In Career Change Strategies Based On Company Size And Type

Career change opportunities and your approach will vary depending on the organization’s size and type:

• Small Companies and Startups: These environments often allow for more flexibility and cross-functional work, making it easier to take on new roles or responsibilities. You may have more direct access to leadership, allowing you to express your career ambitions more openly. However the key is to be proactive in smaller companies, as there may be fewer defined paths for career transitions.
• Large Companies: Larger organizations typically have more structured processes and internal mobility programs. While this can provide clear pathways for career change, it may also require more formal applications and networking across departments.

Tailoring your strategy to the size and type of your company will increase your chances of a successful career transition.

How To Identify Opportunities For Career Change Within Your Company?

Identifying opportunities for career change within your company requires both proactive and active strategies:

• Proactive Strategies: Attend internal networking events, join cross-departmental projects, and regularly engage with company newsletters and reports to stay informed about potential opportunities. In my experience, regularly meeting with colleagues and executive stakeholders in your desired departments for informational interviews, building relationships and reminding them of your interest helps a lot to keep you in their radar for the future.
• Active Strategies: Keep an eye on internal job postings, and directly reach out to department heads or HR to express your interest in specific positions. By combining these approaches, you’ll be well-positioned to spot the right opportunities for your career change.

How Long Should One Be In The Current Role Before Considering An Internal Move?

It varies from company to company. I have found in larger companies for professional roles, the policy is generally 12 months in the current job before you can move. It is important to familiarize yourself with the company policies regarding internal mobility and the internal job transfer process.

How Do You Approach Your Manager About Changing Careers Within The Company?

Transitioning to a new career in your current company requires you to be proactive in expressing your intent. Start by having an open conversation with your current manager about changing roles within the company any time but surely during performance review time. Emphasize how the new role aligns with your long-term goals and how it can benefit the company. Seek their support and guidance to make a transition in future. Additionally, reach out to HR for guidance on internal mobility processes and available resources, such as mentorship programs or rotational assignments.

What Skills Are Most Valuable When Changing Careers Within The Same Company?

As Departmental heads I and my other peers mostly looked for the following transferable skills while allowing a new internal employee to join our departments with no or minimal experience:

What Resources Can You Use To Acquire The Necessary Skills For A New Discipline?

If you are interested in changing careers within your company, you need to have a clear strategy. Since it often requires acquiring new skills, you must make an effort proactively to find learning resources, have a learning plan and implement it while waiting for your desired opportunity. Here are some resources you can leverage:

• Online Courses and Certifications within the company: Many companies offer access to online learning platforms or tuition reimbursement for external courses. Enroll in programs that align with your new discipline.
• External Courses and Certifications available online: Coursera, edX, Udemy, LinkedIn and similar platforms offer a wide range of courses across disciplines, often from top universities and institutions. These allow you to learn new skills at your own pace.
• Professional Certificate Programs: Many universities and organizations offer accredited certificate programs that can help you gain specialized skills and knowledge in a new field. These are often shorter and more focused than full degree programs.
• Industry-specific training: Look for training programs or bootcamps specific to your target industry. For example, coding bootcamps for tech careers or healthcare certifications for medical fields.
• Books and online resources: Utilize books, industry publications, and free online resources like blogs and YouTube tutorials to gain knowledge in your new field.
• Internal Training Programs: Some companies offer internal training or development programs tailored to specific roles or departments. Take advantage of these to build the necessary skills.
• Mentorship: Seek out executives in the company from your desired field as mentors. They can provide guidance on the most critical skills to develop and offer feedback on your progress.

How To Acquire On-The-Job Skills And Experience For The Future Career

Other than the theoretical knowledge in the new area, having a strategy to gain practical experience while working in your current job is crucial for successfully transitioning to a new career. Here’s how to acquire on-the-job skills:

• Job Shadowing: Talk to HR (Talent Development group in larger organizations) or the executives of the future department to find opportunities to shadow someone who is already in your desired role. This will give you a firsthand look at the responsibilities and workflow, helping you assess whether the new discipline aligns with your interests.
• Cross-Departmental Projects or Stretch Assignments: Volunteer for projects in other departments that align with your new career interests. This allows you to gain experience while maintaining your current responsibilities. If you can manage your current boss and have HR support, you can spent some time working on another department’s project for few hours each week. Large companies like this as it also allows them to have different cross functional perspectives in a project team.I personally have done this and have also allowed my team members to benefit from these.
• Long-Term Assignments: Some companies offer longer-term assignments or rotational programs that allow employees to work in different departments,units, markets, countries or regions. These provide deep exposure to new disciplines and can be a stepping stone to a permanent career change. Making sure you are considered for those requires a strategy to be proactive and work within company’s internal mobility parameters.
• Open-source projects and communities: For tech-related fields, contributing to open-source projects can help you build skills and a portfolio.

I recommend combining multiple resources for the most effective approach. Start by clearly defining your career goals and the skills you need to acquire, then create a learning plan that utilizes a mix of these resources.

How Mentors And Sponsors Can Help In Facilitating Career Change

The visual below lays out how Mentors can play a pivotal role in your career transition.

Sponsors who typically are senior leaders can also help you a lot in meeting your career transition goal within the company.

Building strong relationships with mentors and sponsors therefore and having regular One on One with them can significantly enhance your career change efforts.

Common Challenges And How To Overcome Them

Changing careers within the same company is not without its challenges. Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them:

• Resistance from Colleagues: Some managers may resist your career change, especially if they view you as essential to your current team. Communicate your intentions clearly and emphasize how your move will benefit both your personal growth and the company.
• Learning Curve: Every career change comes with a learning curve. Embrace it as part of the process and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Stay open for lateral moves while changing careers.
• Self Doubt: Starting in a new role can sometimes creates issues with self confidence in your ability to effectively do work. Combat this by reminding yourself of your past achievements, seeking support from mentors, and remembering that if your company did not believe in your potential they would not have allowed you to move into the new department.

How To Navigate The Transition After Making The Career Shift Within The Same Company

Once you’ve secured your new role, the transition period begins. This can be a challenging time as you adapt to new responsibilities and integrate into a different team. However, with the right approach, you can quickly establish yourself and thrive in your new career.

• Communicate Openly: Keep the lines of communication open with your new team and manager. Ask questions, seek feedback, and be proactive in addressing any challenges you face.
• Leverage Your Existing Knowledge: Your understanding of the company’s operations and culture can be a huge asset in your new role. Use this to your advantage to make valuable contributions early on.
• Be Patient: Adjusting to a new role takes time. Be patient with yourself as you learn the ropes and establish your place within the team.
• Seek Continuous Improvement: Continue developing your skills even after transitioning. This will not only help you excel in your new role but also prepare you for future opportunities.

Conclusion: Taking The Leap To A New Career Within The Same Company Is Great For Your Career

Changing careers within the same company is a significant but achievable challenge. So if one is asking if anyone has successfully transitioned to a completely different department in their company – the answer is Yes. In all the companies I have worked, lots of people have successfully made this career transition. I personally have moved from HR to Sales to Process Management to Change Management and had team members who have done the same. 

By being proactive, continuously learning, building a network, and gaining the support of mentors and sponsors, you can successfully make the shift to a new discipline and set yourself on a path to long-term career growth. Remember, the key to a successful career change is persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

By following these guidelines, you can make a successful and rewarding career change within your current company.

Please feel free to write about your experiences or share your tips with others by leaving a comment below. You can also reach out to me at info@careerresumecoach.com for any questions or Personal guidance on this topic.

For more information on Job Search and Career Guidance click here . For more insights on similar areas of preparation and other insights, please check out my other articles by clicking here.

About the author: Kaushik is an accomplished HR and Talent Acquisition Executive and a Career Coach with more than 35 years of experience. During his career he has hired thousands of employees for global companies across skills, roles, levels and industries and has helped hundreds to land their dream jobs and careers. He has been a board member at multiple talent organizations across USA and is an accomplished speaker on career related topics. You can reach out to him directly at info@careerresumecoach.com for job search and career guidance. More information about him can be found at www.careerresumecoach.com or at www.linkedin.com/in/kaushiknag.