Lateral Career Moves: The Best-Kept Secret to Career Growth
# Lateral Career Moves: The Best-Kept Secret to Career Growth
In the corporate world, career growth often conjures images of climbing the proverbial ladder, moving upward from one high-ranking position to another. However, there’s another powerful yet underappreciated strategy: the lateral career move. This concept, though not new, remains a best-kept secret for career advancement.
What Is a Lateral Career Move?
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A lateral career move involves shifting to a different position at the same level within an organization or to a similar role in another company. Unlike a promotion, which increases your rank and responsibilities, a lateral move provides you with different experiences and perspectives without necessarily changing your job title or pay grade.
Lateral Career Move Meaning
The essence of a lateral move is diversification. It allows you to gain new skills, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of various aspects of the business. This can be particularly beneficial in today’s fast-changing job market, where versatility and adaptability are highly valued.
Why Consider a Lateral Career Move?
Broadening Your Skill Set
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a lateral move is the opportunity to broaden your skill set. By taking on a different role, you can acquire new competencies that make you more versatile and valuable to your organization.
Enhancing Job Satisfaction
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Sometimes, a lateral move can reignite your passion for work. If you find yourself stuck in a rut or feeling unchallenged, a new role can offer fresh challenges and a renewed sense of purpose.
Building a Robust Professional Network
Moving laterally often means working with new teams and departments, which expands your professional network. A diverse network can open doors to future opportunities and provide you with a broader perspective on your industry.
Increasing Job Security
By diversifying your skills and experiences, you become less vulnerable to layoffs or organizational changes. Employers value employees who can pivot and adapt to different roles, making you a more attractive asset.
How to Make a Smart Lateral Career Move
Identify Your Goals
Before making a lateral move, it’s crucial to identify your career goals. Are you looking to develop new skills, increase job satisfaction, or expand your network? Understanding your objectives will help you make a more informed decision.
Research Potential Roles
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Take the time to research potential roles within your organization or industry. Look for positions that align with your career goals and offer opportunities for growth and development.
Talk to Your Manager
Open a dialogue with your manager about your career aspirations. They can provide valuable insights and may even help you identify lateral opportunities within the organization. A supportive manager can be an ally in your career development.
Leverage Your Network
Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to learn about potential lateral moves. Networking can uncover opportunities that may not be advertised and provide you with inside information about different roles.
Prepare for the Transition
Once you’ve identified a lateral move, take steps to prepare for the transition. This may involve acquiring new skills, shadowing colleagues in the desired role, or taking on additional projects to demonstrate your capabilities.
Real-World Examples of Successful Lateral Moves
Case Study: Marketing to Product Management
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Consider the example of Jane, a marketing manager who made a lateral move to product management. By leveraging her marketing expertise, Jane was able to provide valuable insights into customer needs and preferences, which informed product development. Her diverse skill set made her a key player in the product team and opened up new opportunities for career growth.
Case Study: Finance to Operations
John, a finance analyst, made a lateral move to operations management. This shift allowed him to apply his analytical skills to improve operational efficiency. John’s understanding of financial metrics provided a unique perspective that helped the operations team achieve better financial performance.
Lateral Career Move Pros and Cons
Pros
- Skill Diversification: Gain new skills that make you more versatile and valuable.
- Increased Job Satisfaction: Find renewed passion and challenges in a new role.
- Expanded Network: Build a broader professional network.
- Greater Job Security: Become less vulnerable to layoffs and organizational changes.
Cons
- Potential Pay Stagnation: Lateral moves may not come with a pay increase.
- Adjustment Period: It may take time to adjust to new responsibilities and teams.
- Perception Issues: Some may view lateral moves as a lack of ambition.
Conclusion
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Lateral career moves can be a powerful strategy for career growth, offering opportunities to diversify your skills, expand your network, and increase job satisfaction. While they may not come with the immediate prestige of a promotion, the long-term benefits can be substantial. By thoughtfully considering and strategically pursuing lateral moves, you can navigate your career more effectively and position yourself for future success.
Takeaways
Lateral moves are not just a detour on the career path; they are a strategic maneuver that can lead to significant professional development. By embracing lateral career moves, you can build a more robust skill set, enhance job satisfaction, and secure your place in an ever-evolving job market.
So, the next time you find yourself at a career crossroads, consider the road less traveled—a lateral move might just be the best-kept secret to your career growth.