I want to branch out into other areas of my company but don’t want to ruin career prospects with current boss

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives her expert advice to a reader who feels they’ve pigeon-holed themselves in their current department and isn’t sure whether they want to take over when their boss leaves.

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Q) I work for a large company, but in a specialist role in a small department.

I was never especially passionate about this area, but kind of fell into it, and have since undertaken lots of training, working my way up to a senior level.

My boss has told me that she is likely to leave the company in the medium-to-long term, as she plans to move abroad with her family, and my next natural step would be into her shoes as department manager.

However, I feel like I’ve pigeon-holed myself and my preference would be to gain skills in other areas, rather than just in my small business unit – but I have no idea how to go about doing this without damaging my career prospects with my current boss.

Do you have any advice?

Marie-Claire, via email

A) How your career develops is completely your choice, so don’t feel pressured to step into your boss’ position just because she’s planning to leave.

You’ve built a strong foundation, and the fact that you’re being considered as a successor for a management position shows how valued you are.

But if your long-term interests lie outside this role, it’s wise to explore broader opportunities now rather than feeling locked in later.

Start by speaking to your manager or a mentor within the company.

Frame your interest as a desire to grow professionally and gain a wider understanding of the business.

This could lead to opportunities like cross-department projects, job shadowing, or even a temporary secondment.

These options allow you to build new skills and relationships without jeopardising your current role.

An effective boss will want to support your development, and you’re in a good position to shape the direction of your next chapter on your own terms.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.