It’s that time of the year.  If you work with the organization I do, most likely, your role would’ve changed last week.  It’s not a rule, and not every one changes their portfolio.  But, many do.  More than I’ve seen in any other organization.

Good sales guys will go on to handle larger territories.  People working in one channel of distribution will move to another channel, to get a taste of how things are on "the other side".  Some will even move across departments : From Sales to Marketing, from Product to Actuarial, and so on.  And then there are a handful, like me, who will do something totally unexpected.

I started my stint in this organization managing a double portfolio of Reward & Recognition (Sales Development) and Alliances (Marketing) for the Bancassurance channel.  A year down the line, I moved to the Tied Agency channel where I helped expand the distribution network of advisors through my efforts in Channel Development.  In that capacity, I also got the opportunity to setup a robust MIS system for Channel Development needs, and successfully implement a Six Sigma project for Lead Management. 

Last week, I moved from that role into a completely new and customised one – in Human Resources!

Let me clarify:  It’s not like I’m suddenly becoming an "HR professional".  My work will involve identifying and implementing Technology solutions for business problems faced by the HR team.  That means largely working with Peoplesoft as a techno-business consultant, and also working on other problems where automation or System Implementation can help.  Technology has always been my first-love and passion, so it suits me just fine.  And, in the process, I will also develop some skillsets in Business Performance Management (e.g. Balanced Scorecard) and Human Resources!

And that’s one of the perks of working for a dynamic organization like mine.  There was a time when, to find a new role, I had to change the company itself!  But, those days are long gone.  In today’s age, with a little bit of luck on your side, you never know what career path you can carve out for yourself. 

So, keep an open mind, and enjoy the ride…