What does vertical and horizontal career mean?

What are ‘Vertical Movements’?

A vertical movement in career is the most common term to understand any hierarchy of a workplace system. Suppose – a web developer has started his career as a junior engineer with a software company.His ultimate goal will be to reach the top of his department. If the topmost position is named as ‘Chief Technical Officer’, then after starting the career, the junior engineer will want to achieve the title of ‘Chief Technical Officer’ in the shortest possible time both as in the designation and in responsibility. The same hierarchical system is also applicable for other work sectors and departments as well.

Horizontal Movement in Career

Going horizontal in career means, you will not stick to your own expertise for a long time to climb up the paradigm of career. Rather, you will move side by side, working in different departments with similar responsibilities or status. This is completely opposite of vertical movement. Because in vertical movement, you have the chance to avail more responsibilities and facilities with promotion. In horizontal movement, it’s more like a transfer than promotion.

Here goes a practical example of horizontal movement – Suppose a company has an efficient sales manager with excellent sales and management skills. He/she is now transferred to the management department with similar status but with different responsibilities. Here, the company or the employer will be able to justify an employee’s ability in different fields and can bring changes in a particular department’s work flow. At the same time, the employee will be able to explore his potentials in different fields other than his expertise. So it’s a win-win for both sides. This strategy also helps them to take new challenges and give them the chance to play with new and dynamic ideas.