Insights for Taking Charge of Your Career & Considering New Opportunities  

Taking the first step to look for a new job is the true test of being the manager of your own career. Whether it’s finding a new opportunity internally, speaking with your boss about being given increased responsibility, or deciding to look for a new job with a different organization, it is up to you to speak up and make it happen for yourself.

One important piece of advice I received when I was looking for my next opportunity was to ensure I was moving toward the right job rather than simply running away from my current situation. This resonated with me because I didn’t want to make a rash decision and settle for a new role based on money, title, or manager. You shouldn’t make your career decisions this way, either, or you may never learn how to deal with conflict and will ultimately be unsuccessful in getting on the right track for your career path.

When considering new career opportunities:

• Try to Expand Your Current Role Before Moving to the Next. Speak to your leadership team and ask for more opportunities to try new things so that you gain exposure to the path you would like to take and acquire experience that your current role may not provide. This will also allow potential managers to see you in a new light while giving you the chance to do a “check in.”
• Think About What Drives You Professionally. When evaluating opportunities, think about what drives you as an individual and what you would like to do in the next 5-10 years, then ask yourself if this opportunity will help you get there. It is important to know what motivates you in your work environment so that you can pursue a career path that focuses on the appropriate roles.
• Ask Your Mentors for Advice and Guidance. When considering a new role, leverage your Board of Directors and mentors to evaluate each opportunity, because you want to make sure you see the full picture of what each scenario has to offer.
• Make Sure the New Role is a Fit for You. Does this new potential career path feel right for you? If not, that’s ok! It’s important to learn about yourself and reevaluate your professional goals on a regular basis.

Another important lesson is to not focus only on your “dream job.” If you are approached about a role that you hadn’t previously thought about, find out why the manager is considering you and what he or she thinks you will gain from this opportunity. Sometimes, the challenges of a new department or experience can surprise you! Also, a department or organization may not be ready to expand to create your dream job, so it’s vital to be open and honest with your manager about what you are looking for. Be patient, but also make sure you have opportunities to enhance your skill set. Check in every six months; if you don’t feel like you are being challenged by your current responsibilities, projects, and opportunities, then it may be time to look to another department within the organization or outside the company entirely.

If you decide to look at external opportunities:

• Leverage Your Network. You’ve built a network of colleagues and mentors who know you and trust you, so leverage them to help you make contacts at a new organization.
• Read Job Descriptions Carefully. Once you find a job that interests you, be sure to read the job description carefully. Often a role at one company is completely different from the same position in another organization, and you want to make sure the vision for the role you are considering matches your view and expectations.
• Ask Questions During the Interview. When meeting with the interview team, ask questions. You want to accept a job that will enable you to be successful, but that also will allow you the opportunity to grow with the organization that you are joining.
• Think About Your Long-Term Career Path. Make sure the organization is looking to make an investment in you and your career so that you feel confident in making a long-term time investment in it. This commitment will allow you to grow and build a stronger connection with the team rather than feeling as if you have to move around every few years in pursuit of the next step in your career. It will also allow you the opportunity to make a larger impact on the overall organization.

Deciding to leave an organization that helped build the foundation of your career can be a bit unnerving, but ultimately, it can help you move forward and bring you career success.