Should I move internally or move to another firm to progress my career?
At some point in your career, you’ll likely decide that you need to move on from your current role in order to continue progressing. At that stage, one of the key questions you’ll need to answer is whether to remain with your current employer or look for opportunities with another organisation.
There are many factors to consider when making this decision. Drawing on my experience both as a Headhunter and Career Coach, this short blog highlights highlight some of the key considerations that may help you make the right choice.
The Case for Moving Internally
If your ambition is to broaden your expertise, develop new skills, or explore a different function, an internal move is often the smarter option. Consider the advantages:
You can expand your area of expertise while benefiting from a familiar environment.
It allows you to build on the professional reputation you’ve already established. This, in turn, provides the opportunity to leverage your existing network of colleagues and stakeholders.
You’ll benefit from your understanding of the organisation's culture, processes, and systems.
It enables you to demonstrate your versatility and potential to senior leaders.
You can retain continuity of service and organisational knowledge, reducing the learning curve associated with a new role.
If you work for a high-quality organisation with a strong employer brand, that is something to give up only after careful consideration.
When moving to another firm makes sense
Moving to a new employer can be an excellent career move, particularly if you’re taking on the same or a similar role. Oftentimes, this is the choice the majority of my Coaching clients make. Some of the key benefits include:
Transfering your existing skills and experience into a familiar role more quickly.
Enjoying a fresh start and the opportunity to reinvigorate your career, especially if you’ve begun to feel stale or blocked from progression or promotion internally.
Gaining exposure to new ideas, different leadership styles, and new ways of working.
Strengthening your CV by joining a higher-quality or more widely recognised employer.
Increasing your responsibilities or move into a more strategic role—generally preferable to taking a step backwards, all other things being equal.
Broadening your professional network and industry perspective.
Other factors worth considering
Whichever route you choose, don't focus solely on the job title. Instead, take a broader view of what each opportunity offers and how it fits into your longer-term career plans. A core value at Career Mentor is the idea of making all decisions with a view of long-term vision and aspirations in mind. So, consider how well the role aligns with your ambitions, the quality of the leadership and the manager you’ll be working for. This is as well as the opportunities it provides for learning, development, and future progression.
It’s also worth reflecting on whether the organisation's culture matches your preferred way of working, whether it offers the work-life balance and flexibility you need, and whether the salary, benefits, and overall reward package fairly reflect the value you will bring. The financial health and stability of the organisation, together with the strength and reputation of its employer brand, should also form part of your assessment.
Finally, think about the nature of the move itself. Does it represent a genuine step up, or is it a lateral move that will broaden your experience and enhance your future prospects? Will the role challenge you, stretch your capabilities, and continue your development, or is there a risk that you will become too comfortable? Perhaps most importantly, consider how this move is likely to position you for your next career opportunity in three to five years' time, while also taking into account practical considerations such as location, commuting time, and your personal or family circumstances.
Closing thoughts
Ultimately, the best career decisions are rarely based on a single factor. Perhaps the most important consideration is gaining clarity about what you want to achieve in your career at this stage and how that fits with your longer-term ambitions. Once you have that clarity, you’ll be in a much stronger position to evaluate each opportunity against the factors outlined above and make a decision that supports both your immediate objectives and your long-term career success.
If you're currently weighing up your next career move and would like to discuss your career options, explore potential opportunities, or gain an independent perspective on your next move, I'd be delighted to help. Feel free to get in touch for a free, 15-minute Coaching Call.