The best career move isn’t always upward. Taking a side trip—a lateral transfer—can prove your commitment while teaching you new skills. Some tips:
• Evaluate the oppo
rtunities. When the possibility of a lateral move opens up, take a good look at what you’re likely to learn from it. You don’t want to repeat the same experiences, but expand your skills.
• Compare the job with your goals. Think about where you want to go in your career and what you want to accomplish. If a lateral move takes you closer to your target by teaching new skills or bringing you to the attention of hiher-ups, jump at it.
• Expand your network. The more people you know in your organization and industry, the better positioned you are for success. Consider lateral opportunities for their potential to help you meet leaders and experts you wouldn’t run into otherwise.
• Prove your abilities. Use your sideways move to show you can handle greater responsibility. Volunteer for tough assignments in your new position, and you’ll impress co-workers and managers with your initiative.
• Don’t be forgotten. The danger with a lateral move is that you might fit in so well to your new position that you stall. Stay in touch with your previous managers and colleagues so they remember your willingness to adapt and change.