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First rule: Apply... don't self select out of a role that excites you by thinking your manager won't "allow" it or if they'd be "inconvenienced" or "unsupportive". Make sure you apply.
Second rule: If you want, you must ask. If your manager has no history of getting petty or political, then play an open hand and ask for their support and even their referral. They'll appreciate you giving them a heads up so they can plan you towards it. It also gives them the signal that you're outgrowing your current role. If you're talented, They'll take that signal and either support you in staying in the business and growing (it's usually a feather in their cap as a leader to help evolve their direct reports), or they'll find a way to reposition you in your current team to give you the growth you want without you leaving. Either way, it's a win, and you won't get that without asking.
This is such good advice. I think there are a lot of people who would be interested in other roles within their company and it's great to have suggestions on how to get there.
I had a great boss. I was getting bored where I was and there was another group I was interested in checking out. There wasn’t even an opening, but I was already doing some side work for the other group(my boss knew and was cool). So I told my boss I was interested in making a move (btw I was a lead project engineer in his group). He called the director of the other group and arranged it. Made the move and loved it.
Yeah, I’ve made an internal move before, but just once. It’s all about approaching it respectfully. Start by expressing your interest in the new position and how you see it aligning with your growth at the company. Frame it as wanting to take on new challenges and contribute in a different way. Keep it professional but also don't act scared. Show them you're excited and confident about a new opportunity
100% excitement about the new role is a great reason, rather than bringing up that you're bored with the current role.
I did after 6 years in one job role. My manager at the time was not enthused, but came to understand it once I explained my reasoning. It was the right opportunity at the right time and I knew it was what I wanted, so it was an easy decision to make.
I was a student employee (working on a BSEE); they must have seen some potential because, despite no engineering or trade experience, I was the only one of four student employees to be assigned by my 2nd level supervisor the responsibilities for managing construction contracts (called construction contract adminsitration since it was on the owner's side of the house - there are some good books on the topic that give you a grasp of the enormity of such efforts). But I could only work 20 hours a week and learning the contract and specifications was like sloshing through mud. I spoke to my immediate supervisor about how my lack of experience (not mentioning how my time away from work was dedicated to my degree) seemed to be a drawback for my efforts. So when I graduated, the organization placed me in an in-house, entry-level (recent graduate) engineering position. I would say talk to your supervsior, if they care about anything other than themselves, they might be inclined to support a career growth for you move to another position.