Help! I’m Ready for Something New!
So you want to transition to a new industry ….
Transitioning to a new industry can be exciting, but also have some challenges along the way. Many times, the skills that you have obtained through education, certifications and experience can be transferred to the industry you are looking to transition into. They key is to have a strategic plan to get you to where you want to be.
A couple years ago, I had a friend who had expanded her entire career in the Finance sector and was working for a well-known and respected company. She worked in the corporate office and was on the director level, received several accolades, promotion after promotion and felt it was time to transfer her skills to Human Resources. We spoke and outlined a plan for her to follow, and in this blog post I share some of what we discussed.
In order to successfully transition to a new industry I would suggest:
1) Research: Begin by researching the new industry you want to crossover into. Seek to understand the dynamics, trends and job opportunities. Explore the different roles and functions by looking at the hierarchy and job descriptions, and identify where you skills and interests align.
2) Assess Your Skills & Fill in the Gaps: Identify the skills you posses that are transferable to the new industry. Determine which skills are highly valued in the target industry and focus on developing or enhancing them through additional training, certifications, or relevant experience. Identify any gaps in your knowledge or skills compared to the requirements of the new industry. Take courses, pursue certifications, or gain practical experience.
3) Tailor Resume to Leverage Transferable Skills: On your resume and cover letter highlight the skills and experiences from your current or previous industry that can be applied in the new industry. Effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, project management, and teamwork are examples of transferable skills that can be valuable across various sectors.
4) Network/Find a Mentor: Connections are the name of the game. Build connections within the industry, attend events, join professional associations, leverage online platforms to network. Find mentors who are currently in the industry or successfully transitioned into the industry you're targeting. They can provide guidance, share their experiences, offer valuable advice, and potentially provide referrals or introductions to key contacts.
5) Stay Positive & Persistent: Switching industries may involve some challenges and setbacks so you must remain positive. Consider taking on internships, part-time roles etc to gain hands-on experience and stay updated with trends and innovation. Be open to learn from both successes and failures.
Remember that building a new career takes time, so stay focused on your long-term goals. Transitioning to a new industry requires perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. It also requires sacrifice.
By following these tips, you can position yourself for success in your new chosen field. If you feel you need more help, feel free to book a consultation with one of our DWJ Solutions professionals so we can get you on track.
