Career Advice

[SW20 MR2]

Given the wealth of financial advice I've had on reading this forum, I figured let's change gears for a few minutes and talk about my career.

Here's a little more info about me:
- 34 years old, married, 2 year old son, probably another within the next year
- Own a house and have a $140k mortgage (very manageable under current financial situation)
- Currently employed with a large financial services company (great company and great people)

I'm been with my current company for almost 8 years. For the past 2 years, I've worked as part of a division's marketing team, but I'm more of a project manager on the business side (vs tech side) leading product/functionality implementations. Prior to that I was part of our division's analytics group doing things such as reporting, incentives, data analysis, etc. I started as an analyst and was a manager for a few years before I got my current role.

My old boss in the analytics group is moving onto a new role, so his director position is now open. I'm contemplating applying for it, but here's where it gets muddy.

Pros:
- Director level job would obviously mean more money since I'm currently a Sr. Manager
- This is an opportunity to be on the "inside" of the leadership team as this job is like a right-hand man to the senior guy in charge.
- I know the workings of the department well as I did or owned many of the functions in my previous roles.

Cons:
- When I took my current job, my current boss was expecting that I was going to be in marketing for a while as a new career path. If I don't get this job, it might seem bad. I should point out that in no way does the company stunt job movement, and in fact, the company is great about it. It's moreso the relationship between myself and my boss.
- There is currently a Sr. Manager on the team that likely has the inside track on the job as he's been there for 5 years and is responsible for the majority of the team.
- We have a brand new VP/GM in our division starting next week. He was a director here when I first started and left within 7/8 months to take a promotion in the UK. My first impression wasn't that great as he was all talk and no action (prototypical slimy sales guy). He would be my new boss for this director position. I hope he's changed in the past 7 years.
- My career to date, aside from the past 2 years, has always been heavily focused on analytics. While great, it's tough to get out if I decide to do so in the future because my experience in other areas (eg. sales, marketing, etc) would be limited.

As I wrote all of this out, I'm leaning towards staying put as it would likely mean short term gratification with a possible sacrificing of long term experience.

Any of you folks ever in a similar situation?

[mind_business]

I consider two years to be an adequate time to have contributed to the success of a department. Typically I look at a 3 to 5 year time frame for myself before I apply for other positions, however if a great opportunity came up, I would definitely apply for it after 2 years.

Another thing to consider is that applying for the position, whether you get it or not, shows the Executive team that you're ambitious and want to be challenged. I don't see any negatives in applying.

Assuming you will apply for the job ... Good luck!!!

[J3ff]

If opportunity has presented itself, I say grab it - especially if it's going to put you into a position for even better growth. It is important that you have a good manager / boss. The executive track will always encourage you to chase after the money. More money = more top executive scrutiny = faster track to better roles (if you perform well).

Just my opinion...

[kcowan]

I would say to apply as well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Also as an analytics type, you are not a typical sales person.

[LondonHomes]

If it's of interest to you then you should try to get it. Remember your the only one responsible for your career.

Your best move might be to have some unofficial discussions about applying to get a feel for how people react. If the SR manager you think has the inside track has no desire to apply for the role then your way should be clear.

[SW20 MR2]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

Long term, that department is not where I want to be, so going for this job would be moreso to 1) move up a level and 2) continue to build that relationship with the senior leaders. It's my best shot at moving up since it's an area that I have a lot of experience. I'm not too concerned with #2 as my last 2 years have been spent on very high profile projects that give me plenty of exposure (and earned respect) with our leadership team.

Given that I don't want to be in this functional area permanently, getting into another area in the future is a worry. That is, 80% of my experience to-date has been in analytics, and if I want to get back to marketing or product management, it may be a challenge because of my lack of marketing/product experience. That's my main concern.

This is a really tough one.

[MoneyGal]

Going for an interview would allow you to pose these kinds of questions to exactly the people who are in the best position to do something about them.

"I'm committed to the company and I want to move up, but I'm a bit worried about anchoring my career in analytics when I'd also like to continue to build my skillset in marketing and product management. How do you think this opportunity fits into my overall ideal career plan?"

[the-royal-mail]

"Thank you for your question. We believe in honesty and being upfront and have shared with you all the pertinent job details. With that information you'll have to make a judgement call as to how well you feel this position fits your goals and aspirations."

OR

"We have selected another candidate whose skills more closely match the position advertised. We wish you all the best in your career endavours."

[MoneyGal]

But what has he got to lose? Honestly. Senior interviews are a two-way conversation, not the blunt retorts you've suggested.

[Plugging Along]

Again totally agree with MG.

My thoughts is that by applying, you are showing management that you want to be management, and move. Assuming you have a good relationship with your current manager, I would have an up front conversation with him.

You really have nothing to lose by applying. I think the optics can be managed through your communication.