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Anonymous

February 8,2024 at 1:51PM UTC

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Hello Everyone!

I am wondering if anyone has experienced a similar situation and could offer some advice. I have spent the last 18 years working in Global Enterprise account management at a telecom giant that has struggled to keep up with the fast pace of technology. That, coupled with some strategic business decisions to divest numerous business units, has created a difficult dynamic. Customers require services we no longer offer and are leaving us as a result. Jobs are being offshored and it is just a matter of time before my job is eliminated. It is beyond time for me to find another job at another company.

After all these years working here, I feel the world and technology has moved quickly past me and I am struggling to even get an interview. Most similarly situated sales/account management jobs are now in the world of software and AI, where I have no experience.

Has anyone found themselves in a similar situation? What is the best way to get up to speed and feel more “relevant”? I earned my MBA almost 20 years ago, so I don’t feel the need to obtain additional degrees. Are there any recommended certificate programs? I would welcome any thoughts or suggestions from any other mid-career women that have gone through a similar struggle and come out on the other side.

thank you so much!!

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AnonymousFebruary 8,2024 at 2:17PM UTC
Do you want to try to stay in the technology space or branch out into a different area? Google and YouTube may be your best friends at this point. Otherwise, check out websites like Udemy or Coursera. They have more 'technical' orientated courses, for a small class fee or sometimes even free. Generative AI and LLMs (large language models) are the obvious upcoming space but Security is also a fast-growing area.
Take a look at your career and rather than look at the tech, make a list of the sales skills and achievements, those are going to be transferable regardless of if you have the tech background at the moment.
I would also say sit down and make a list of the companies you would like to try to get in with. Look at what they sell and see what products they offer. Once you get the products list, pick one or two and go to their websites, Vendors very often will have 'classes' about their products that can help get you up to speed on them.
AnonymousFebruary 8,2024 at 4:19PM UTC
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!
AnonymousFebruary 8,2024 at 2:30PM UTC
Good for you that you are looking ahead, have taken stock of where you stand, and desire to do something proactively. I have been there, it was a little different, but what I did, I think, will apply to you.
First and foremost, ensure you are up to speed on the technologies your company fell behind on. While working in IT development, I started on mainframe computers (yes, I am that old.) In the 80s, I quickly began to learn the PC environment, mainly because I was interested in learning the new technology, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would be sitting on my couch with a computer in my lap that had more memory, disk space, power, and connectivity than the multi-million dollar computer housed in a room the size of a hotel ballroom. This desire to learn was a godsend as the PC market started to take over, and the technology exploded. I saw several companies like yours die from becoming irrelevant and coworkers becoming irrelevant because they didn't want to learn something new. Eventually, I pivoted out of the technology industry because I burned out and was caught up in a layoff. If you have to, either pivot or go back to school (or both), take continuing education courses, obtain certifications, or grab YouTube tutorials between job searching. You've. Got. This. Go for it.
AnonymousFebruary 8,2024 at 4:19PM UTC
Thank you so much!!!
This is great insight and I appreciate the words of encouragement!