How to request internal transfer?

Hi there,

This is more common than it feels, especially in umbrella firms, and starting the conversation early is reasonable.

The key is to frame this as exploration, not a request to move now.

When you reach out to HR:

• Say you’re settling in well and are early in your role
• Explain that you’ve learned about an adjacent group that aligns closely with your long-term interests
• Ask about the process and timing for internal mobility rather than approval

Keep the tone neutral and forward-looking. HR conversations are usually confidential by default, and it’s fine to say you’d like to keep this discussion confidential while you understand how things work.

What to avoid for now:

• Don’t involve your current manager yet
• Don’t criticize your current team
• Don’t ask for an immediate transfer

HR will guide you on typical tenure, performance expectations, and when your current team would need to be involved.

If you’d like, I can help you draft a short message to HR that strikes the right tone.

Best,

Evelina

The fact that the consultant you spoke to transferred himself and said it is common is a great sign. It means the culture supports people moving around internally. That is half the battle right there.

Two months is early, I won't lie. But starting a conversation is not the same as asking for a transfer. You are not saying "move me now." You are planting a seed. Big difference.

Keep the HR outreach simple. Something like, "Hi [Name], I was chatting with [Consultant] about the work your team does in [domain] and found it really aligned with my background. Would love to learn more. Do you have 15 minutes for a quick chat?" Notice you are not saying "I want to transfer." You are saying "I am curious." That is a much softer way in and gives you room to explore without committing to anything.

In the actual conversation, let your interest do the work. Talk about why the domain excites you, how your life sciences background connects to what they do, and ask smart questions about their projects and team. If the vibe is right, drop something like, "If opportunities come up in the future, I would love to be considered." That is enough. HR will get the message.

Now the tricky part. Keeping your current team out of it. Don't put anything in writing that could get forwarded. Ask HR to keep things discreet. Any good HR person will understand. But in smaller firms things can leak, so be mentally ready. If your manager does hear something, just be honest and frame it simply. "I am enjoying the work here, and I got curious about what [other firm] does because it overlaps with my interests." That is not disloyal. Most senior leaders actually respect that.

And one more thing. Keep doing great work in your current role. Nothing kills an internal transfer faster than your current team being happy to let you go. You want them to say "we would hate to lose this person." That only happens if you are delivering right now.

Hi there,

Before "committing" strongly to changing, you should frame the discussion with the HR as exploratory (i.e. I am exploring...considering... etc.), saying that you want more information and her point of view on how to make the move. You should have a clear rationale on why you want to make the move. Once you have a clearer idea on what is required and the process, you can follow-up with her on a later date with a stronger position on your move and start making things official

I recommend you casually have the transfer convo with a few more consultants in the firm to validate how easy it is to do it, and how political, before reaching out to HR. 

Depending on the firm, it's not a big deal or a huge deal. 

Once you clarify how that is approached by your firm, you will know better how to approach the conversation.

Best,
Cristian