Long story short: I've been working in my first role since my last FCG rotation for 2.5 years. I would like to build more IT skills so I can be more competitive on the market.
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I would go with the posts that say now is not a great time to make a move. If there are involuntary layoffs, you may get into a 'last in, first out' situation. I would wait a while to see what happens with involuntary layoffs.
If that wasn't the case, it's fairly easy to transition to a new position if there is a job posting and you would be a good fit. This would be discussed with your supervisor because if you apply for a job, they will get an email as well.
Unless you know the hammer is coming down on you or your group - best to stand pat until the dust settles on this latest reduction. After the VSSP there will likely be involuntaries and then naturally reorgs --- because that's what they do.
Don't do it - it makes you look disloyal to go to your supervisor or manager to ask to be transferred to another group right after you joined your new group. You might get lucky and be in a group with an LL5-6 who is supportive towards employees - but that is the exception rather than the rule at Ford. Your LL4-6 doesnt really care about your long-term career prospects and if they bring it up with them, they might actually transfer you to a group that they know is going to get eliminated just to sc--w with you.
Assuming you get along well with your current boss I agree with the poster who said now is not the time to move to a new team. Layoffs are being discussed and while you never know who they’re going to target this time they do sometimes target the newest person on the team. I have seen them target poor performers, newest person on the team, persons least liked by management and with SRD it appeared to be high performers (they have higher salaries) and people approaching a pension milestone. During a down time I was on a project that was canceled. Agency was released immediately and Ford people were given a couple months to find a new position or be laid off. Luckily I found a position but some didn’t.
Head down, work hard and act like you love your job.
It depends on your manager and supervisor. 3 Types.
1) Leaders and mentors who know people and understand potential will push you to advance and grow.
2) Leaches and pacifists who only do what their management allows and protect themselves at all costs. You get stuck as their pawn for all possible plays. They dangle carrots as an art form. You are the puppy but never get the biscuit.
3) a #2 but pretend to be a #1
With the latest round of layoffs, now is not the time to be talking to your Manager about moving departments. You want your Manager to think you are staying so he or she protects you from layoffs. You are young, cheap to pay, and don’t have family obligations yet. For now, mouth shut, head down, extra hard work. Once the involuntary layoffs are over, then you can start investigating the move.
Since you are already on thelayoff.com, I would suggest you read other posts here first and then decide whether you really want to continue working for Ford. My suggestion would be If you WANT TO LEARN ANYTHING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - Ford is probably not the best place. Dream bigger young man.
If you are hellbent on ruining your life working for Ford, start with your Manager. Do not do anything about the change in job without talking to your manager. If you do, it will go in your confidential reports and lets just say it will hurt you. And I am not necessarily saying your manager will hurt you - I am saying that HR will ASK your manager to hurt you.
Good luck!
I think answer depends on where you are at. There is no one answer for all. Certain areas would only allow movement within their chief or director. Many are open to discuss after about 18 month at the current position. HC reduction task imposes its unique conditions which are different for each individual task. See the replies already posted.
Lay the ground work and get connected.
Ford management does not care about your career, health, etc. They will use you and throw you away without thinking twice. Some managers will actually enjoy watching you suffer. They will pay you lip service about future moves, etc. Whatever it takes to placate you. Once you feel you want to move on, quietly lay the ground work for your departure. Update your resume, interview, etc.
Have you witnessed other peers successfully move during your tenure? If not, they are likely not allowed to leave.
If you just want a different job within your current department, this will be easier since the department would not lose a head. If you leave the department, you will negatively impact the headcount. Managers don't like to lose heads if they are not allowed to hire from outside to replace the lost head.
Have a talk with your supervisor. You should already be having discussions on this topic.
Depends on a few things
- will your supervisor allow you to move? Many supervisors will block your move, some will openly tell you they will not allow it. Others will block your move behind the scenes.
So start first with talking to your supervisor.
- do you have a mentor? If so ask for their guidance on how to successfully switch jobs
- have you placed goals and training items on your development and training plan that indicate where you want to move towards?
Lastly have you found positions to apply to?
Lay the ground work and then people are more apt to support your move than hinder it.
Above all do NOT make yourself indispensable in your current position.
If you are in the plant / B&A, it's more difficult. PD should be no problem.