A man bought an etching of a landscape, but didn't like the frame. Imagine his surprise when, after removing the frame, he discovered an even nicer etching than the one he'd purchased. To help you find the answer, I recommend one of my all-time favorite books, Out of the Crisis by W. Edwards Deming. I've adapted the following questions from it. Resources, opportunities and attention are easier to get in a department that's on a roll, so you want to figure out which one is higher on the corporate pecking order.
Some departments sound important but just produce a lot of hot air.
Others produce essential products or services for important internal or external customers. Imagine that both departments ceased to exist. Do some homework on your potential new boss. Find out who has a better track record of empowering his or her employees. Answer these questions honestly and it should be easier to pick the best opportunity to sink your teeth into.