Changing jobs doesn’t always mean packing your belongings and moving to a company across town. Sometimes it makes more sense to pursue career growth within the same company. While you may see your current position as temporary, you can always shift your job into a career by leveraging your knowledge and stepping it up at your company.
Sure, sticking to the job you know is comfortable, but why is career growth so important?
- Renew your sense of purpose at your company.
- Increase your earning potential.
- Avoid burnout.
If you’re feeling stuck in your job, a complete change in scenery isn’t always necessary. Seek out new challenges and increased responsibility. Here’s how you can ignite your career growth without changing companies.
Tips for career development when you want to stay at the same company
Attend industry conferences and expos
In addition to company training material, conferences will keep you savvy on industry trends and new technologies. Especially for those in positions of innovation and little internal support, conferences provide a great training platform. Check in with HR to see if your company helps cover expenses for external training. In addition, networking with others in the same industry can give you a better idea of how to further develop your own career.
Discuss advancement opportunities with HR and managers
Sometimes all it takes to get promoted is an open conversation with human resources or your direct supervisor. Before asking directly about a raise or switching jobs, look into company career advancement programs. For example, companies like Vanguard and Charles Schwab offer employee resource groups that provide networking, professional development, and business knowledge opportunities. Utilizing all possible company resources will help outline the next steps to take with potential new opportunities.
Consider a lateral shift into a new department
If you’re feeling unhappy in your current position, ask yourself if what you need is simply a change in department. While your company culture and commute may be ideal, your daily tasks may be what’s keeping you down. Working in finance, but considering a career in technology? Hold informational interviews with people in positions that seem appealing. That way, you can gain an understanding of what skills you need and what transferable skills you may already have.
Learn new skills to apply to your job
Going above and beyond in your job shows your higher-ups that you’re eager and willing to learn. Additionally, you highlight new skills and take the initiative to innovate. Your initial training may be enough to get the job done, but finding new ways to do it more efficiently will let you flex your knowledge. Learning new skills doesn’t have to happen during work hours either. Sometimes career growth requires extra work outside of the office and personal learning initiatives.
Even if your current employer doesn’t offer too many opportunities for advancement, other companies do. The right decision may just be to start a long-term career elsewhere that has room to grow. Explore some top companies to develop your career with this list of Best Companies for Career Growth!
