"Please understand that, by giving the information you request, it may jeopardize my standing within my current company. I have selected three alternate candidates whom I have worked with in the past and will vouch for my current level of work". Something like that. Play with it.
But you do need pro references. If you have buddies in the company, that will do. If you have buddies at other companies (in similar fields) who know you well, then add them. however, talk to everyone you're going to add first to make sure they're okay with it.
Oh, and speaking from 20 years of IT experience in multiple companies: try to keep in touch with people you work with at every job. Use LinkedIn. I don't think I've had a "cold job" in over 20 years. every time I moved to a new company it was directly due to someone I knew already working there and bringing me over. Profession contacts are like freaking gold.
I second everything written by /u/idlethreat, and have successfully practiced the same advice with great results. Professional contacts are the ultimate ace in your sleeve as you travel through your career, let alone any industry transitions.
I have rarely seen someone pull off notifying their current boss/supervisor/team about potentially leaving without some kind of resultant tension. I'm not saying it can't be done smoothly, but it greatly depends on so many things - company culture, manager's temperament and practicality, the degree of investment an organization has put into you thus far, capacity for current projects, etc. Good luck whichever road you take!
"Please understand that, by giving the information you request, it may jeopardize my standing within my current company. I have selected three alternate candidates whom I have worked with in the past and will vouch for my current level of work". Something like that. Play with it.
But you do need pro references. If you have buddies in the company, that will do. If you have buddies at other companies (in similar fields) who know you well, then add them. however, talk to everyone you're going to add first to make sure they're okay with it.
Oh, and speaking from 20 years of IT experience in multiple companies: try to keep in touch with people you work with at every job. Use LinkedIn. I don't think I've had a "cold job" in over 20 years. every time I moved to a new company it was directly due to someone I knew already working there and bringing me over. Profession contacts are like freaking gold.
I second everything written by /u/idlethreat, and have successfully practiced the same advice with great results. Professional contacts are the ultimate ace in your sleeve as you travel through your career, let alone any industry transitions. I have rarely seen someone pull off notifying their current boss/supervisor/team about potentially leaving without some kind of resultant tension. I'm not saying it can't be done smoothly, but it greatly depends on so many things - company culture, manager's temperament and practicality, the degree of investment an organization has put into you thus far, capacity for current projects, etc. Good luck whichever road you take!