Internal Mobility: New job, same place? Find out how it’s possible. 

Let’s play a game. 

Do any of these sound like you? Press the buzzer to relate! 

• You like the company you're working for but could be more passionate about what your role involves.
• You've been in the same role for years and are struggling to stay motivated. You're feeling restless, ready for a change, a challenge of upskilling.
• You've got some great co-workers, and the grass looks much greener over where they're working. 
• You need to move out of the area but don't want to leave your job.  

Forget a Sea-change. You don’t even need a Tree-change. If you’re feeling stuck in a work-rut, it may be time for a Desk-change. 

Yep, it’s possible. Stay where you are - but change the position you’re in! It’s that magical concept: internal mobility.

How? Let us explain. 

Read on to hear more about networking your way to your dream career – without leaving the office.

What is internal mobility? How does it work? 

Internal mobility is as it sounds: moving (being mobile) within your workplace. 

An internal transfer is a viable (and beneficial) solution for anyone looking for change -  especially now, as companies and their people continue to find a work/life balance in this post-pandemic workforce.  

In an internal transfer, an employee moves to a different role, location, or both while remaining employed by the same company. (This is different to secondment. Secondment is an arrangement where an employee is temporarily re-assigned to a new position within the organisation).

Internal mobility is a strategy that can keep everyone happy. 

And sometimes, it's not so much about what you know. It's about who you know.  

Ready to leverage an internal transfer through the power of networking? Here’s how it’s done: 

1. Be seen. 

This is no time to be shy. Ask for high-visibility assignments and demonstrate your value! 

If you want a new job in the same company, you need to be seen by other members of your organisation. Ideally, while putting your best foot forward and leaving them dazzled with your thoughtful and insightful contributions.  

Why not try:

• Participating in company-wide workshops or training 
• Putting your hand up to work on cross-functional collaborative projects 
• Sign up to join one of the organisation's committees or social groups 

Make it your mission to participate in anything that gives you visibility and connection to other teams. 

2. Up your networking game 

Get ready to mingle. 

Make it a point to connect with colleagues from different teams and departments. You never know; you might hear a whisper by the water cooler about a job opening that's right up your alley.  

Building meaningful relationships will take time. But by putting in effort and focusing on making meaningful connections, you might not only expand your network but make some genuine friendships too. 

Read more about how to polish up your networking skills in this blog.

3. Speak to your manager 

Can I speak to the manager? Yes, you can. And you should.  

Requesting a transfer does not necessarily imply that you're unhappy with your current job or boss. 

If you have a good relationship and a supportive manager, set up a meeting (before applying for any positions) and explain why you're looking for this shift in your career. 

You're well within your rights to request an internal transfer, but be mindful of others' feelings as you go through the process. Make sure you leave on good terms and express gratitude for your experiences in your current role. 

4. Feel a lack of support? 

We know that not every office is sunshine and rainbows. Wondering how to get a new job in the same company without the support of your manager? 

If you feel as though you can't speak to your boss about this, it's time to find another advocate. This is why cross-organisational networking is so critical.  

Use your networking skills to find an ally or reach out to HR and find out the correct process to follow.

Your future happiness should be enough incentive to outweigh any manager backlash. Know your goals and stick to them with determination! 

Remember: They might be feeling the impending stress of filling your position and worrying about how your absence will impact their workload. 

You could offer to do things to make the changeover easier, such as: 

• training a replacement, 
• creating a transition pathway plan, 
• or being flexible about the timing of your move.  

Try to look at the situation objectively – and be flattered that they want you to stick 

around!  

Ready for a change? 

Getting top talent in the door takes a solid investment of valuable time, money and energy. Good employers recognise that strong employees won't want to stay in the same place forever and will do everything in their power to retain them.  

So, if you like your company but are looking for a change, internal mobility might be the solution you’re looking for.