Breaking Into a New Field or Industry
Whether you are returning from a career break and trying to figure out your next steps or are contemplating a sabbatical but don't know where to start, our career coaches are here to help.
Barbara Pagano of YourSABBATICAL answers the question:
I’ve realized I no longer want to go back to my old career. In a market with high unemployment, how can I make myself noticed or create opportunities in a new field or industry?
[singlepic=1762,125,,,left]Congratulations on being a risk-taker! Staying in a career that no longer fits your needs can be one of the most debilitating moves away from future happiness. Plus it robs your potential. Here are three ideas to break into a new field or industry during a sabbatical, even in these trying times:
1. Immerse yourself in the industry. While you might not have experience in this new field, you can start building a firm base of knowledge by connecting with someone who’s successful in the industry and give you information such as the trade magazines to read, the well-respected associations that lead the way, and the best internet resources where you can learn what’s going on. Perhaps there’s a book and a couple of industry gurus to become acquainted with, too. Read, research, and attend association events. Learn the industry jargon, current challenges, and trends to make your entrance a stunner.
2. Take the “career journey” approach. Successful business people who are asked for “10 minutes” by someone (even a stranger) who is “on a journey to discover whether this is a career for me” often say “yes.” Honor their time by keeping to the time frame and asking smart questions. You’ll have the opportunity to not only gather valuable information but also to make a connection with someone at the top of the field. And who knows, maybe that person knows of a job or company that’s a good fit for you.
3. Utilize your present skills. An internship or volunteer opportunity to showcase your present skills allows you to show enthusiasm for learning about a new industry. Companies in the industry you are pursuing, particularly if they are growing and entrepreneurial, might be open to offering an internship to you, especially if you can help them solve a pressing challenge or obtain new ideas. Keep your ears open for opportunities at industry networking events where you can say, “I can help you with that.”
While skills and experience are important as you transition to a new industry or career, always remember that people are hired for their enthusiasm and passion, too. And if you use your sabbatical to research the industry or experience an internship, be sure to leverage that on your resume. Good luck!
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Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.