Through millennia, vertical career trajectories have been the most celebrated path to success in the workplace.

However, this traditional approach is being challenged in today's evolving work environment.

A vertical career trajectory involves moving upward within an organization or an industry. In contrast, a horizontal one involves progressing laterally within the same job or level of responsibility.

According to a career expert, vertical growth requires us to master other people, whereas, horizontal one requires us to master ourselves.

“Vertical career growth tends to focus on flashy new job titles while horizontal career growth is a way to create value,” says Roy Ndombi, a freelance career coach based in Nakuru.

So, what are some of the other benefits of horizontal career growth?

1. Allows for an individual to diversify their skillset

A horizontal career path enables employees to expand their skill sets while building upon their competencies. This approach opens doors to new responsibilities, making employees more valuable to their organizations. “Horizontal growth allows professionals to work across different fields and departments, becoming well-rounded practitioners rather than specialists focused in a particular field,” Ndombi explains.

2. Allows for some form of job security

Horizontal career movement can lead to better job retention, as employees don't need to leave their organization to explore new challenges. Ndombi elaborates, “Projects evolve. When you have diverse skills, you're more likely to transition smoothly between projects. Organizations are less likely to lay off employees who can adapt to multiple roles, compared to those with more specialized vertical trajectories.”

3. Allows for a broader organizational exposure

Horizontal movement allows professionals to experience different teams, departments, and roles, providing a comprehensive understanding of the organization.

To have a successful horizontal career trajectory, one needs to;

a. Seek out new opportunities

To grow in your career horizontally, start by taking on new projects or responsibilities within your current role. Look for opportunities to expand your skillset by volunteering for additional assignments that complement your existing position. These can serve as stepping stones, allowing you to gain valuable experience while potentially positioning yourself for an official transition into a different role.

b. Pursue professional development

Ndombi advises taking advantage of available training opportunities, particularly free online courses, to help build versatility and prepare for horizontal career moves.

c. Networking and mentorship

Networking and mentorship are crucial for horizontal career growth. “Networking is invaluable because you learn from those who have gone before you,” Ndombi recommends. “Seek out mentors who are well-versed in your areas of interest and combine their guidance with hands-on experience.”

It's important to note that vertical and horizontal career growth aren't mutually exclusive.

“The two approaches can complement each other extremely well. I highly recommend people diversify their skill sets through horizontal movement, which offers more flexibility than the traditional vertical approach. By learning new things, exploring new opportunities, and developing various problem-solving approaches, you become a more valuable asset to any organization,” Ndombi points out.

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