Is it better to grow with one client, moving from staff to senior to manager, or to switch industries every year?
I’ve worked as a staff member on two clients, but now I’m being moved to a new industry as a senior, under a manager who has a questionable reputation since several of her seniors left the firm simultaneously. This situation raises concerns about her leadership and my potential for growth.
I have a solid foundation in private equity and real estate, but now I’ll need to step into a senior role on an insurance client while working with someone unfamiliar. Although a senior manager has assured me that I can opt out if this manager creates issues, I’m still uncertain about the impact on my development.
I have a conversation with my senior manager in two hours. Should I view this new opportunity as a challenge, or should I express my desire to continue growing with my current clients?
One response
It sounds like you’re facing a tough decision, and it’s understandable to feel uncertain in this situation. Here are a few points to consider when you speak with your senior manager:
Evaluate Your Goals: Think about your long-term career goals. Do you prefer to develop deep expertise in a specific industry, or are you open to exploring new fields? If your aim is to become a specialist in private equity and real estate, it might make sense to express your desire to continue growing in those areas.
Assess the Opportunity: While shifting to a new industry can be daunting, it might also provide you with valuable skills and diverse experience. Ask yourself if this opportunity could enrich your professional growth in the long run or if it feels like a step backward.
Address Your Concerns: Be open about your hesitations regarding the new manager. It’s important to communicate your concerns, especially if you feel that this could negatively impact your growth. Frame your points positively, focusing on your desire for a supportive work environment and effective mentorship.
Seek Clarity: Ask your senior manager what the expectations will be in the new role and how they see your transition to the insurance client. It may shed light on how you can approach this change and what support you might have.
Consider a Compromise: If possible, suggest a timeline for reassessing your situation in the new role. This way, you can experience the challenge while keeping the option to pivot back to your preferred focus if necessary.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but being clear about your career goals and concerns will help guide the conversation. Good luck!