Bad timing opportunity to switch careersHello everyone, I am currently a Call Center Supervisor, with more than five years of the customer service experience, and I do believe I am on the verge of a promotion to a Call Center Coordinator, which would be an achievement. Of course, the position is NOT open yet as the person who is retiring has not been given her release date, and we are in the midst of a customer service system upgrade, as well as off the heels of a giant acquisition. This acquisition has created some opportunities, one for an Employee & Labor Relations Specialist, which would shift my path to an HR track. Which I am highly interested in. The thing is, the position would be lateral versus going upwards. On one hand, it would open doors in the future and allow me to enter a new field at my current company, while also most likely keeping my salary -- which is probably on the higher side compared to entering HR directly. On the other, I am the verge I BELIEVE of a promotion, and do not dislike my job right now. Thoughts? Jeff Since you are not assured of the promotion, much less the date you could obtain it, you cannot pin your hopes on that. There may be others who feel as you do and are also "on the verge" of a promotion. Does the possible promotion have further advancements attached to it? Or are you going to be in that position for the duration and still in end limited in what you can actually bring to the company? The opportunity for the position within HR sounds like it would bring about more challenges and more opportunities for advancement. Do they want someone with HR experience? Do you have it? Or are they willing to train the proper internal employee for this job? Is there somebody from within the new acquisition who is going to do the training or is this position something that the person hired can make into his/her own little project? There will undoubtedly be many people who will also want to be involved in this opportunity. Some of these people may be located right in the existing Human Resource Department. By all means apply for the newly created position and show your enthusiasm for advancement and showcase what you have done and what you can still do, but keep your hat in the ring for that promotional also. You will need to let people know that you are open and capable for both since you may get one and determine that it isn't the right fit for you.
Sounds like 2008 is starting off well. Of course, as the previous poster mentioned, these are possible opportunities, not certainties. So, treat them as such. Most companies have a protocol when it comes to internal candidates applying for opportunities. Be sure to have the right conversation - with your boss or human resources to make sure that you don't step on a toe along the way. As for which way, what do you want to do long term and which role will set you up for that. If you get promoted in the call centre situation, you may price yourself out of getting into Human Resources at a later date. It sounds like, on paper at least, you could make the transition to Human Resources now without taking a step back financially. Something to consider...i.e. that window might now be there later on. Ian Christie Career Changers Coach | |
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