Following on a brief article in my recent newsletter, here is another strategy to help you to make a radical career change — without leaving your desk! 

Take on a project!

Who doesn’t need a fresh challenge now and then!  When you feel stagnant in your career, think about how what you want to learn overlaps with what your organization needs.  Is there a project you can propose that will give you the learning you need?

Taking on a project can set you up for growth in unforeseen ways.  In my 20’s I was bored with my marketing coordinator’s job.  I tried to sell my company on the idea of creating a new higher level marketing position but times were lean.  Looking to learn more about international marketing, I proposed going to France to set up marketing resources for the European offices.  My bosses agreed but asked that I find and train my own replacement before I left on the one month assignment.  There was no guarantee that I would have a position when I returned to the US. 

What an adventure I had!  The project went well and I returned energized and feeling powerful with my new skills.  Within a few weeks of my return I landed a job with another company based on this experience.  Better yet, my old firm started wooing me to return almost immediately.  Which I eventually did: as Director of Marketing at double my salary.

What do you want to learn?  I say, GO FOR IT!

Questions to consider:  If you could do anything in your career what would you do?  What is most compelling about this?  What gaps in your organization need filling?  Which gaps offer you a chance to learn and move closer to your aspiration?   Now, design a project that fills the gap!