You’ve had some experience in the sports industry, but it’s now time to move up the ladder – how do you optimize your chances of success? Whether you’ve been volunteering at your local club, interning with a sporting organisation, or hold a full-time position within the business of sport, there comes a time when your ambitions speak louder and you start to contemplate seeking new opportunities. So how to determine if the time is right for a move and, if so, how to ensure you have the best odds at a successful transition?
The time for change
Why do you want to move on? Do you not feel challenged at your current employment? Has your learning curve stagnated? You may find your career at an end at your current workplace and that you are only able to fully realize your potential in another position. Are you looking for better compensation? The answer to these questions are key to comprehending if the time is right for a move.
Perception on job hopping has changed considerably over the last couple of decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker today stays at each job between 4 and 5 years. Nowadays, a change in employment is perceived to reset and recharge the learning experience, so for whatever reason you think you would be better suited at a new job, you shouldn’t be afraid of change.
That is not to say, however, you should discard of jobs without any consideration. Job hopping may not be frowned upon as it used to be a couple of decades ago, but any future employer is almost certain to look for steady as well as personal growth and contribution from any position you have held in the past, be it an internship, volunteer experience or a full-time job in the industry.
Market research
What does the current job market look like? While you shouldn’t be frightened of change it’s essential to understand market trends before deciding to leave. Are employers hiring? Are you looking to change sectors in the sports industry? If so, what would that require? How does this fit within your overall career map?
Research your next move before you start making plans – are there available roles for people with your experience and/or qualifications? What prospects will this new challenge/opportunity bring? Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the positions you would be applying for, what these would entail, and what would be expected of you so as to avoid disappointment.
That’s it – you’re leaving!
By the time you make the decision to leave you should have cultivated a healthy stream of contacts and relationships internally and externally. Make use of these wisely – you will likely need to use them as a future reference so it’s important to always leave on good terms.
Use your industry contacts! You’ve spent time in your current job nurturing relationships within the industry and the time has come to use them. Good contacts can held provide an insight into the job market and provide valuable advice – listen to what they have to say.
When you get offered a new position with a different organisation make an effort to explain to your current employer why you are leaving. They might not necessarily appreciate the prospect of losing you as an employee, but it’s advisable to maintain all professional relationships amicable. You never know when you might run into a former colleague or employer in any number of future jobs or business transactions – it is a small world.
Moving on is a natural process. You may feel you’ve learned all your current position has to offer, be seeking a pay rise or simply be looking for a new challenge in your career. Personal ambition plays a huge role in determining whether you are ready to leave your current employer, but ultimately only you can assess when the time is right to move on. And as long as your decision is a well-informed one, there is nothing to fear.
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