Oftentimes, our career paths can lead us in a direction we hadn’t envisioned. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that only 27% of graduates work in a field related to their major. So whether you’re seeking new challenges in an unexplored career path or looking to finally pursue a career in something you’ve always desired, launching a career in a new industry can be incredibly difficult, but it’s not impossible. With some patience and a little bit of research and determination, you can set yourself up for a successful transition.
Start with Your “Why”
What in your current situation is driving your desire to change industries? What within your desired industry makes it a good fit for you, and will this solve what makes you unhappy in your current industry? Defining your why is the absolute first step in making the transition. Changing careers is a life-changing decision, so it’s important to outline why you’re seeking this change, and if it’s truly the right fit for you.
Create an Action Plan
Once you’ve identified your why and are committed to pursuing a career in your chosen industry, it’s time to lay out an action plan to help you get there.
What Skills Can You Offer?
The good news with a mid-career transition is that you don’t necessarily have to start at the bottom of the ladder. Many skills are transferable across jobs and industries, so it’s important to consider what you can offer given your past experience. Lean into your expertise and existing skill set to help differentiate you from other candidates. Do you have project management experience that could be beneficial? Do you have experience with contract negotiation? Sales? Management? Many of these skills are highly marketable and might be able to be applied to your new industry.
What Skills are Required in the New Industry?
Search through job descriptions for positions you are interested in applying for. What skills are they looking for? Remember, you don’t necessarily have to have every skill listed, but you should have some. Are there opportunities within this industry that could utilize your current skill set?
What are Steps You Can Take to Acquire Necessary Skills?
Oftentimes some skills are absolutely necessary in order to perform in the position. Determine what these non-negotiable skills are and find ways you can develop them. Is there a class or program you can take? Are there opportunities for on-the-job shadowing and training? It’s not uncommon to have to start a little lower on the corporate ladder in a new industry in order to learn these essential skills and work your way up to the position you desire.
Utilize Your Network
A great place to start is by informing close colleagues and confidants of your plans to pursue a new industry. You never know what connections or opportunities might exist within your current network that you might be able to utilize. Often having these connections can help at least get you an interview for a position you’re interested in.
Start with an Internal Transfer
Sometimes it can be difficult to start in a new industry with a new company. If you’re happy with your current company, just not in your current role, consider pursuing an internal transfer into the industry you’re interested in. This may be easier to achieve since you are already employed there, have built trust internally, and can transition slowly into a new role. Since your current company is already familiar with your skill set and work ethic, they may work with you to train and transition you into a position you desire.
Interview Individuals in Your Desired Field
Talking with individuals already working in the field in which you wish to transition to can be a great way to learn what the day-to-day might look like. They can provide insights into the skills needed, how to obtain those skills, and an honest look at the pros and cons of the industry before you make the transition. If you don’t have any connections in the industry, ask family, friends, and your network to make introductions.
Give it Time
A transition into a new industry can take a long time, especially if you have to get a degree or seek out other training to obtain the skills you need. Schedule out a timeline of any training, interviews, and other transition steps to help keep you motivated and on track toward your goal. Making the transition will take a lot of work and patience, so stay focused, remember your “why”, and be patient as you wait for the right opportunity to come along.