Promotion or change? This is how you can make a career jump in NRW!
Find out how internal and external career changes in Cologne in 2025 present opportunities and challenges.

Promotion or change? This is how you can make a career jump in NRW!
In today's working world, many are faced with the question: Should you try for an internal promotion or take the step to move externally? Looking at the differences can help you make the right decision. As Radio Hochstift reports, external changes often offer the chance of large salary increases of 10 to 20 percent as well as higher positions. In contrast, internal promotions are usually gradual and more moderate, based on existing company structures and past income.
For many companies, internal promotion opportunities are an important aspect, but this depends heavily on the available positions and the support from superiors. In sectors with a shortage of skilled workers, such as IT or the defense industry, there are often excellent career opportunities. External changes, on the other hand, are particularly widespread in dynamic sectors such as marketing, sales and consulting. The decision whether to stay internally or move externally should be considered individually and depends on personal career goals and life circumstances.
The change of career
Another interesting perspective on the topic of career change is provided by Arbeits-ABC. It is made clear here that a career change should not be seen as a failure, but rather as an opportunity for fulfillment and success. In today's rapidly changing world of work, the traditional linear career ladder is no longer appropriate. Flexibility and lifelong learning have become increasingly important, especially in times when artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly taking over human tasks.
A common indication of the desire to change is constant dissatisfaction in your job or the feeling of being stuck in your career. The reasons for a change can be varied: from hygiene factors such as salary and working hours to deeper dissatisfaction. Self-reflection is the first step in the change process; Asking yourself questions about joy, strengths and values can help.
The new world of work and its requirements
Deloitte also highlights that the new world of work is diverse and companies are faced with the challenge of creating a target group-specific employee experience. Employees differ not only in their age groups, but also in their needs and motivations. Among German employees, job security and salary are considered the most important aspects, although a higher salary does not necessarily lead to more satisfaction.
Younger employees in particular often need guidance from their superiors, while older colleagues place more value on meaningful tasks. In order to overcome these challenges, managers must not only be technically competent, but also act empathetically and flexibly. The design of workplaces and the management culture are becoming decisive factors for success in the new world of work.