Tag: secondment

4 Reasons to Try a Secondment

Afraid of the unknown

Comfortable with your surroundings

External commitments and responsibilities

Reluctant to change

These are just four out of a host of reasons why people stay in a job or career long after they stopped wanting to be there.

There’s nothing wrong with the examples listed above or others like them. They’re all natural responses from anyone who has thought about moving on and doing something else.

But changing jobs doesn’t have to be permanent – well not straight off, anyway. A secondment to another job and/or department within your organisation can be an invaluable first step towards making a longer-term change.

It might only be for a few weeks to provide cover, or it could be for as long as two years as part of a specific project. Regardless, taking on a secondment could prove to be a career changing experience.

Test the water

You can try something new without committing to it permanently. If you do enjoy the temporary role, it could lead to a job or career change. If you decide it’s not for you, you can go back to your original post, no harm done.

New skills

While some secondments are only about filling a gap in an organisation, many play an important part in someone’s development. The skills and experience gained can make you more employable as well as increasing your confidence when it comes to taking on new challenges.

New environment

A new department or workplace can provide a welcome change of scene. Combined with new tasks and different colleagues, it can provide a refreshing break from the old routine.

Raise your profile

Doing a good job while seconded can help you to be noticed by senior management and others within the organisation. This could increase your chances of gaining a permanent move or other secondments.

Transform Your Career in 2020

Many New Year’s resolutions involve jobs or careers. While some aim to find work, others will want to change employer or move towards the career of their dreams.

As we say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020, there are numerous ways to improve your career prospects and make yourself more desirable to prospective employers. Here are some suggestions:

Study

While a university degree is a welcome addition to any CV, there are shorter less expensive modes of study.

In some cases, a short online course or a professional qualification can be every bit as effective, depending on the line of work.

Secondment

Ready for a new challenge but reluctant to let go of your current job? A secondment could be the answer. Many large organisations require people in short-term roles for reasons including maternity cover, specific projects or pilots.

So, you gain an insight into a possible new field with the security of your own job to fall back on, should things not turn out as planned.

Volunteer

It can be difficult to make a career switch when you don’t have any relevant experience of the industry where you see your future.

Offering your services to a charity or other good cause can be a massive ‘win-win’. You take your first steps in the profession of your choice and feel good at the same time.

Go for Promotion

How many times have you looked up from your desk at your line manager and thought, ‘I could do that job…easy’?

Next time the opportunity arises, put your money where your mouth is. Whether it’s a first supervisory post or a move up to senior management, taking the next step on the ladder can be a massive boost to your confidence, level of responsibility…and salary.

Speak Up

In an ideal organisation, the people who get ahead are those who keep their heads down and quietly go about their business. But real life isn’t like that.

Sometimes you have to raise your voice to tell the world (or the people you work for) what you have to offer. If you want promotion, a sideways move or additional duties, use appraisals, feedback sessions, networking events and any other opportunity to tell management what you want.