Spencer Stuart: Building a Career Today

It is increasingly understood that making lateral moves can be more beneficial than climbing the rungs of the proverbial ladder.  Lateral moves can help develop technical skills and broaden an individual’s knowledge of the business and test readiness for a new position. However, Spencer Stuart reports the potential benefits and possible risks should be carefully considered.

Lateral moves carry the potential of failure. Especially when leaving a company where an individual has built up their credibility and developed a support network they can turn to for advice. Given the risks and the uncertain rewards, a lateral move should be carefully considered in light of how it fits into the larger vision of one’s career.

Lateral moves can demonstrate an individual’s growth, potential and broad-based experience, but if the career progression does not “make sense,” it can make hiring managers question whether the individual has had the opportunity to really succeed over time.

The full article is published on Spencer Stuart’s website. Read the full report.