How do I Talk to My Boss About My Position and Career Plans?
I'm beginning to feel a personal desire to start advancing my career and do more focused, specialized things within the IT world. I've been doing primarily Helpdesk technical support for about 3 years and it's honestly wearing me out. I really like where I am working, but I know I could make 15-20% higher salary looking elsewhere. I'm caught between the comfort of an employer and workplace I really like, and the desire to do more with my career and by proxy increase my income (which helps other things). I know I need to at least talk to my boss about my current position, where I'd like to be in the near future, and how it all fits into the bigger picture with the company, but I have literally no idea how to go about it. I want to be sure I approach this such that our conversation doesn't imply I want to leave, but I also want to make sure my point gets across that staying in this position is not in my plan for myself. How do I go about this the right way?
This is a good idea especially if you like the job and would remain if you had a career plan. In today’s workplace you can’t wait around hoping to get noticed. You have to directly inform the decision makers and leaders what about your career goals so they can position you into areas and an experienced where you can develop. Send you boss a brief email asking to meet and the reason. Good leaders respond well to these conversations because it shows initiative and interest in the company. Once the meeting is set then get prepared! Outline specific goals, training, and contributions and have questions ready on how best to achieve these.
Hi Erica,
I am currently a project manager In an IT department for a big bank. I would ask for a moment of you bosses time possibly in an email. Ask whatever time is convenient for him/her. First of all I would be honest however I wouldn't mention the pay grade in relation to your wanting to move internally. I suggest just tell you boss that your ready for more responsibility and nothing wrong with asking if there is other responsibilities that you could help with as you want to strengthen your job skills and you are interested in moving up. This shows initiative and the willingness to learn, team player all of that and provides some néeded job skills to move up. Simple be honest with your boss and ask what his/her suggestions to get you where you want to be. I would leave the wages out of it though. Your pay will increase as you move up. Unless your pay is really low. Then I may say something about it.