Transitioning in Your Career: One Big Leap Is All It Takes

Career transitions are a big deal. After all, you’re ditching a field that you’re used to and entering a foreign field that you’re completely new to. A transition like this may be lengthy, challenging, and confusing… but in the end, it’s totally worth it. 

If you’re feeling lost and confused, we’ve curated a few career transition stories. Read on to hear more about how they did it and maybe these stories will give you a few idea starters as well!

“First and foremost, remember to be patient and stay positive. It may take longer to get your foot in the door since you're competing with other candidates that already have direct experience. I've learned almost all skills are transferable. Every business needs customer service, marketing, communication, etc. Think about the skills you use in your current role/industry and how they apply to the one you're trying to get into. Illustrate how these skills will help you be successful in this new role/industry in your resume, interview, etc. One of the things that helped me the most was understanding applying for the job you want is NOT about YOU. The job is for you...but the role is for THEM. The company is hiring you because they have a need for something. Show them you're the only one that can help!”

• Natalie Beekman, Beauty Industry to Property Management

“Keep your core values close to your heart -- family, work/life balance, learning, and fun were requirements I had for my career. It's worked well for me because at a subconscious level I was able to gauge if the position I was interviewing for would be a fit early on.

I spent almost 4 years at Crunchyroll, had an amazing career there, but when it was time to leave I spent 18 months interviewing with over 25 companies to find the right fit.”

• Henry Ngo, Military to the Tech Industry 

“Knowing what you want or are passionate about is the first step. The next part is networking with people to let them know you are available for a new position. Tips for success: Take time to build your experience in your chosen area, whether it is LinkedIn learning, blogs, or talking to experts. Immerse yourself into the world you want to be a part of and then believe you already belong!” 

• Nicole Routon, Middle School Teacher to Finance 

“Make a bit of a game plan for yourself.  Where are you at? Do you know what you want to transition to, or are you still figuring that out?  If you know, what are some specific steps, even small ones, that you can take right now to get you closer? Can you network creatively, shadow someone part time, build a portfolio of work on the side to get you in the door? You could have a coffee chat with someone in that industry/role, start a list of your top 5 companies, gear your resume to the job you want instead of the jobs you've had.  And maybe you're still figuring out what to transition to, it's important to explore.  Don't allow the dreaming and ideating to take over.  Take steps into exploration by trying some things, even if it's a pottery class, a writing course, or maybe a paid internship… because even though it's low pay (or you’re paying for it), the value will come from the information you receive from having the experience. And you can level up in the next role.  Connect with people who might be able to shed some light and share insights on things you've been interested in. Look at the things you've always been curious about doing and get even more curious.  Let taking action be easy and fun and informative to what's next.  And..I'm not just saying this because I'm a coach but, hire a coach if you're looking for support and direction with the journey!  I made my transition doing everything I've laid out here, including hiring a coach.  Career transition can be stressful, so try to find ways to give yourself as much self care as possible along the way.”

• Jacqui Allen, Insurance Industry to Event Programming in the Music Industry 

“I started my career transition with a well-structured plan and identified the transferable skills that my new career would require. To enhance my skill set and learn the “hard skills” needed in my new career, I attended a recruiting Bootcamp through CareerDash to have a good foundation and understanding of the Recruiting Sector. Additionally, I have started to utilize LinkedIn more frequently to connect with seasoned recruiters to learn more about and from them. I received great advice, and guidance, and learned more about my new career path. Ultimately you must be confident in yourself and current your skillset. You must show that you are eager to learn and are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Enhance your skills and take the time to add to your education, which can be bootcamps but also free Resources about the career that you have chosen to stand out during your transition, the more knowledge the better! Be intentional, connect with a variety of people (or even find a mentor), and target your resume!”

• Sarah Santiago, Finance Industry to the Recruiting Sector

If there’s one thing to take from these responses, it’s that there’s no single way to transition in your career! The choices are yours to make, so go ahead and do what’s best for you! Need support along the way? Join Rise today for a community that’s ready to cheer you on!