At Largo Jackson, many of the professionals we speak with aren’t actively looking for a new role. They’re looking for perspective. They want to understand where their career could take them, whether it’s the right time to move, or how their experience might translate into a different part of the infrastructure market.
Over the years, we’ve had thousands of career conversations with professionals at every stage of their careers. Whilst every situation is unique, there are certain questions and themes that come up time and time again.
The questions we’re asked most often
Some of the most common conversations we have include:
- Is now the right time to move?
- How do I transition into infrastructure investment?
- Should I accept a lateral move?
- Am I being paid what I’m worth?
- Should I relocate?
- How do I move from Asset Management into an Investment role?
- What do employers really look for?
There are rarely simple answers, but having an informed conversation can often help you see your options more clearly.
Career progression isn’t always a straight line
It’s natural to think that every career move should involve a bigger title or a higher salary. In reality, the most successful careers are often built through carefully considered decisions rather than quick wins.
One piece of advice we find ourselves repeating is simple:
Be patient.
Sometimes a lateral move into the right organisation, team or sector can create far greater opportunities in the future than chasing the next promotion.
Understanding where you ultimately want your career to go makes it much easier to identify the opportunities that will genuinely help you get there.
What separates exceptional candidates?
Technical expertise will always be important, but it’s rarely the only reason someone is hired.
The professionals who stand out are typically those who combine strong technical capability with:
- Commercial awareness
- Ambition and a strong work ethic
- Excellent communication skills
- Emotional intelligence
- The ability to build relationships
- Realistic salary expectations
- An understanding of how different organisations work
Just as importantly, successful appointments are often about finding the right cultural fit. Matching a candidate’s personality, working style and soft skills with an organisation’s environment is often what turns a good appointment into a long-term success.
When should you stay put?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that changing jobs is always the quickest route to career progression.
Sometimes the opposite is true.
If you’re continuing to develop, working with good people and building valuable experience, staying where you are may be the best decision you can make.
Patience, particularly within infrastructure investment, is often rewarded.
When is it time to take the leap?
There are times when a move makes sense.
Perhaps you’ve outgrown your current role, you’re looking for greater responsibility, or you’re ready to apply your experience in a different part of the market.
Making a successful move isn’t about timing the market perfectly. It’s about understanding your long-term goals and recognising when the right opportunity comes along.
That’s why many of our conversations begin long before someone starts actively looking.
Your career doesn’t stop when you change jobs
One of the best investments you can make in your career is getting to know your industry.
Build your network. Stay curious. Keep learning. Understand how the market is evolving and maintain relationships throughout your career – not just when you’re looking for your next role.
Those habits often create opportunities long before they’re advertised.
Many of the best career decisions aren't driven by salary alone. They're driven by finding the right opportunity, at the right time, with the right organisation.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no universal answer. If you’ve stopped learning, no longer feel challenged or your long-term ambitions no longer align with your current role, it may be worth exploring your options. Sometimes, however, staying put is the best decision.
Many professionals successfully make this transition by combining technical expertise with commercial awareness and an understanding of the investment lifecycle.
Professionals working in asset management often develop transferable commercial, operational and stakeholder management skills. Understanding how those skills align with investment organisations is often the first step towards making a successful move.
Salary is important, but it’s only one part of the decision. Career progression, the quality of the opportunity, the people you’ll work with and long-term development are often just as valuable.
Relocation can open up exciting opportunities, but it isn’t always the right move. It should support your long-term career goals as well as your personal circumstances. Read our International Careers & Relocation page to find out more.
Whether you’re actively considering your next move or simply want an objective conversation about your career, we’d be happy to share our perspective.
Talk to the specialists
Trust an executive search firm who shares your niche.
We concentrate on global infrastructure and real assets because that’s
where we have the most up-to-date knowledge, the best advice to offer
and the biggest networks to draw on.