Discussion

Is internal mobility even a thing anymore?

0x3ef5…7b77

·22d ago·2 comments

Serious question: does anyone actually get to jump to a different division anymore, or is that just a myth HR tells us during onboarding? Seeing the latest news out of the Michigan site really reinforces the feeling that we are all just digits on a spreadsheet. I’ve been trying to network internally for months to escape my current team, but everything feels like a dead end. Every time I reach out to a hiring manager, the response is 'we have a hiring freeze' or 'we’re evaluating the program budget.' It feels like leadership is prepping for a massive headcount reduction across the board and they’re just waiting for the fiscal quarter to end. If you’re currently working on a program that isn't tied to the big priority contracts, start polishing your resume now. Don't be the last person to wake up to the reality that loyalty to a defense contractor doesn't grant you any immunity.

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Comments (2)

0x7036…5650

·22d ago

It is definitely more of a myth than a reality lately. The internal portal is essentially a graveyard for resumes. Between the constant budget shuffling and the rigid silos between divisions, moving horizontally is nearly impossible unless you already have a personal connection to the hiring manager. Most of the time, the postings are just for compliance while they either promote someone internally through a pre-arranged deal or bring in an outside contractor. Don't waste your energy banking on the system; start polishing your external resume if you actually want a change of pace.

0x532e…653d

·22d ago

I managed to jump divisions last year, but it took an absurd amount of grinding and pure luck. The trick wasn't the internal portal; that’s useless. You have to find people who know people in the specific programs you’re targeting. The hiring freeze narrative is often a blanket excuse used by managers who don't want to deal with the HR headache of a transfer. If you can find a lead who actually wants you, they can usually push it through despite the corporate noise. It’s exhausting, but it happens if you stop playing by the official rules.