What are the Different Kinds of Change Management Careers?

Change management careers are often those that help prepare an organization for and facilitate pending improvements. People in this field may choose to specialize in one industry or perform general consulting work. Duties concerning change management may vary considerably, with those in logistics potentially focusing on global supply chain processes. Change consultants, on the other hand, may assign employees and arrange departments, while analysts may assess training outcomes. Information technology, software and organizational culture offer additional areas in which change management careers may be found, with each offering different responsibilities.

A change management specialist often helps an organization identify problems, change its structure and improve efficiency. Change management careers may be found in both small and large companies that are ready to undergo dramatic makeovers or simply need to improve profits. As such, a specialist must often adapt quickly and help others do the same.

One who wants to become a change management specialist often works in a particular industry, although a person who serves as a consultant may perform general duties. Skills that may help one succeed in this work often include sound judgment, strong communication and creativity. As the job may require both independent analysis and collaboration with others, the ability to work in a team is also likely to help.

Some change management careers may be available in logistics. Companies that ship large volumes of goods or serve as carriers for other facilities are likely to contain these departments. Such jobs may be contractual, depending upon the total responsibilities involved. Functions may include analyzing current global supply chain processes and determining areas of improvement. Additional duties may include resolving delivery or schedule issues and developing inventory control plans.

When businesses face challenges like workforce reductions and tight budgets, they may turn to the services of a consulting firm. This firm, in turn, may find ways to improve workforce productivity and increase revenue. Internal departments may need to be re-configured or employees moved to different positions to facilitate improvements. In this capacity, a change management consultant would likely meet with employees to learn about their daily functions. The objective may be to minimize waste and increase workflow.

A change management analyst may work closely with a corporation’s training developers. This position is likely to assess the impact of core training programs on employee performance. For example, a new networking system implemented across an employee base of 1,000 employees may require substantial instruction. The analyst may therefore consider the success of such training and help employees manage new tasks. Training assessments may change as a corporation implements ongoing educational forums, such as those concerning occupational safety or new technology developments.

Computer science may also offer opportunities in change management careers. Information technology (IT), for example, often forces companies to routinely update their networks. An IT change management specialist is thus likely to process and approve all networking system changes. This may require coordinating and scheduling change activities to minimize organizational impact. In addition, the specialist may monitor ongoing technology updates, verify the company’s compliance with industry standards and protect confidential data by screening security risks.

Similarly, software changes often pose challenges to companies in terms of staying updated. In some companies, these changes are necessary to continually improve workflow processes and efficiently transmit data. The software change management specialist may therefore maintain timely and accurate computer files, link files and documents to update the system and establish standards for storing and maintaining electronic media. With both positions, where the central focus is on computer networking or software, candidates will likely need to hold a college degree in computer science or information technology.

Many companies recognize that internal and external customers drive revenue. Internal customers are employees, while external customers are those who purchase goods or services. Change management careers often are available to foster these client relationships and improve an organization’s total communication structure. A culture change management specialist may thus be needed to implement new processes and oversee related business impacts. This person may also identify opportunities for business or process improvement and implement recommendations as appropriate.