Switching positions within a company 4

[knji]

After having served within a position (or company) only for about 4 months, how long would you wait to attempt a switch if something different came up within the same company?

In other words, will those in charge take this gesture as an indicator of dis-satisfaction, unhappiness, non-gratitude or ambition and progression?

Having put myself in a supervisor's shoes for a minute, this would come across as someone attempting to make some progress in their career especially if the new position has a better correlation with their background.

What are your thoughts?

Thank You.

 

[MikeHalloran]

I'd say that you haven't been there long enough to understand the company's internal mindset, or you'd be able to answer the question yourself.

In general, asking for reassignment after only four months is a "career decision" in the worst sense of the phrase, so proceed very carefully.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[gaufridus]

In general I would agree with Mike but if its a leap into the ideal job for which you have trained/studied then it might not be a bad thing - but make it clear to your superiors why you are doing it.
What are you going to do if they find a better candidate from outside - it might leave you in an awkward position.
The problem is if you do it again after another 4 months it might be seen in an altogther different light as you suspect.
As Mike says 'proceed very carefully'.

 

[GregLocock]

I'd be slightly cautious, but can't really see much harm in applying. At worst it will be put down as youthful enthusiasm.



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[knji]

I also thought that the time frame was too short hence my hesitation but the transition is dramatic -from something like technical support/documentation to software engineering. I have an M.Sc. in EE/Control.

What is the recommended interval to stay in such a position before starting to look for something more related to what I studied or want to do? 1-2 yrs?

My fear is not getting decent exposure to those tasks that would enhance my chances of practicing my chosen trade.

TIA

 

[IRstuff]

As with external resumes, anything short of a year potentially raises questions about your professionalism or stability.

TTFN

 

[MikeHalloran]

Be wary also of the culture where you intend to jump.

I have worked at some outfits where software engineers are assigned to a particular circuit board, and become the company expert on that board, until the board is replaced ... and the engineer is replaced. Staying up to date in a position like that would happen on your own time and at your own expense. Not to mention getting bored out of your skull.

Some kinds of tech support require you to stay up to date on the latest software fads, and hence come with paid training. Plus, support exposes you to more of the company's product line, so it may be a better stepping stone to becoming a controls engineer, if that is your goal.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[PhilBW]

You might consider presenting this to your supervisor as a benefit to the company. Explain that you are willing to continue in your present job, but because of your background, you may be of more use to the company in the software engineering position.

As long as you explained why you were interested in switching jobs so soon, I don't think the request would reflect negatively on your stability.

Phil

 

[heieup]

I'd talk to your supervisor and the person who would be supervisor in the other job (in that order) and explain that you enjoy what you're doing but that this looks like an excellent opportunity.

I've done this a couple of times and it has never counted against me but been seen as a sign of commitment to the company and keenness to get on. Just make sure that both supervisors know that you are interested because it seems like a great opportunity, not because you want to leave what you are currently doing.

Just be prepared not to get it, and go through the standards of finding out why and trying to improve yourself in your current field. I personally think it would be a shame to miss an opportunity without first scoping it out, it might not come along again for a long time.

Good Luck

 

[Comcokid]

If you are fresh out-of-school, jumping positions may not be much of an issue as you skills are undeveloped and abilities unknown. However, if you were hired with some experience to fit a particular need, then changing positions may create more of a problem and may be viewed somewhat negative.

 

[sms]

Most larger companies have HR policies in this regard. You are usually required to wait 1-2 years before you are qualified to post for a new position. Have you asked HR about the policy at your company?

-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!

 

[abeltio]

express your interest for the position, and forget about it.
just concentrate in demonstrating that you manage your current position so well that the company realizes that you are ready for better bigger things... if you are not doing what you were hired for correctly... a change in position would be like promoting incompetence... oh, well... no comments there.

on the other hand... after you expressed your interest... usually your management will evaluate your readiness for a change based on what i said above.
and if they see it fit, the company will ask you if you are truly interested in the change.
also, as mentioned... HR will have a say... but if your star is shiny enough... they will do as operation requires.

good luck



saludos.
a.

 

[HDS]

The only thing yo have to loose is a job you don't want.

Did your boss know you didn't want the job when you took it? If so then he is expecting you to ask about the other job. If not one of you didn't commuincate well in the interview process.

 

[knji]

Good comments. Thanks everyone.