Q's to Ask During a Role Change
During this past fall, I was transitioning from my first role onto my second. I had met with my career coach (provided by Microsoft) for support in targeting the right roles and finding the best team match.
To help me determine where I wanted to land next, my coach had me reflect on a few questions. These could be applicable to anyone considering a role change and supports the mindset beforehand.
What did you learn this past year?
Think about the core skills you built on and the unique experiences gained. Here are a few examples from my first role: data analysis, business presentations, professional communications, cross-collaboration, data story-telling.
What do you not want to do?
Is there an area you're not too fond of? Maybe you lean more toward the execution of a project rather than the ideation or planning process. For instance, I am not the first in line for developing pricing models or working primarily with engineers.
Where do you want more learning to be? (Any deal breakers?)
You have considered the skills you already possess, but now consider what you want to learn next. Remember that you can still continue to build on your current skills to grow them even more as a strength. You can extend into other learning opportunities to diversify your experiences.
What are looking for in leadership?
What type of leader can help you be your best self at work? Do you like more hands-on or hands-off? Would prefer to have two syncs a week with your manger or just one? I learned that I value a manager that is hands-on when needed and is active in my projects but not necessarily micromanaging. I also push to build a relationship that balances a professional and personal connection. I also prefer direct feedback that doesn't make me feel like I am pulling teeth for it.
What is the team culture?
Every team functions in a different way. Envision an ideal culture that stimulates your participation and encourages your growth. The foundation of the team culture is based on communication, trust, support, learning, and more.
How are you going to stand out? What do you want them to walk away with and remember about you during networking?
Before networking with the team, think about the contributions you can offer and how it can benefit the team. A good chunk of this information will be pulled from the first question. I always encourage to share about your past experience and learnings but don't forget to let your personality shine through.
I highly recommend typing or writing out your thoughts for these questions. You can refer back to your thoughts as you prepare for what is coming next. The conversations you’ll share while networking will be much easier because you understand where you are and where you want to be next.
Good luck!