I've been trying to switch industries for almost one year with no luck. Any advice?

7 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 1:24PM UTC

   what kind of roles are you applying to? With only a few years in marketing, if you're trying to switch in to something new you're probably going to have to start at entry level. Sales Is probably going to be your be be since it's kind of career adjacent.

2. AYANNALYSEJuly 8,2024 at 1:37PM UTC

   Yep many of us have to do that

3. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 4:54PM UTC

   Keep at it. It's a grind in this day in age, but your persistence will pay off.

   It sounds like you're off to a good start (believe it or not).

   Keep up with the tips and best practices.

   Start contacting people you know (and contacts on LinkedIn). With people you know, let them know you're looking for a change and you want to work with people and not have a 9-5 office job. Ask them what companies, job titles, or people they know. Rinse repeat. Keep meeting people. For LinkedIn, some of the networking advice switches between a formulaic email template asking for advice about a job/company to something very low-key like following or liking their posts (you posting more).

   You could also join online groups of folks who have shared interests. Some of this could seem like busy work (and with no results---sure --it'd seem like that so only do it if you want).

   Some industries require experience (and you may need to work/volunteer your way in). Some just need mindset and a connection.

   As having been a Communications major myself, I can understand the linked skills in relationship work and creative expression.

   Entry level work may be easy to find. The fact that you want freedom to leave the office would likely mean that Relationship support jobs are out. Off the top of my head, I'd suggest looking into Journalism industry or jobs (radio, video, interviews), helping with Real Estate/Realtors, Youth work or a community center or connected to a house of worship, Events Management (from low stakes to high stakes companies).

   Lastly, check out the books, "Designing Your Life," or "Designing Your Work Life" by Burnett and Evans. Great books that ask questions to help you identify your passions, skills, needs- with examples, case studies and more. Really helps find your direction so you aren't spinning your wheels, burning out, or feeling unfulfilled.

   Good luck!

4. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 4:59PM UTC

   You may want to try contacting a few recruiting firms and discussing your skills and contract positions to get you in the door. It sounds like you are tailoring your resume and cover letter. Regional Health / Insurance companies have people out in the community and having the marketing experience and eager to be out meeting with people is huge plus.

   You may also want to research similar people to the role you want on LinkedIn. Where do they work? What is their background and skills? Are you connected with them?

5. Michelle LadyJuly 9,2024 at 3:31PM UTC

   Find someone who does the work that you want to do and ask to meet them for coffee to learn about the job and industry. Ask for advice on how to get started in the field.

   Use LI to connect with people, try to make 5 new connections a week the areas of interest to you. Go to chamber mixers and meet people then connect with them on LinkedIn.

   Today's job market is about networking. So focus in that arena then something will happen for you. But do realize the job market is bad so networking will help and it will take time.

6. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

   It sounds like you are trying to move from a generalist to a specialist role. Behavioral health (depending on the position) often requires a Master's degree, so general community outreach is a better path. Wellness programs can be found in many large hospital systems and social service agencies (both state and non-profit). That's where I would focus my attention. Also, look for continuing education opportunities (local community college outreach programs or online programs like Coursera), which add to your credibility as a specialist. Contact your college's alumni career center for a resume review and job coaching. They often have many resources—best of luck.

7. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 6:29PM UTC

   I would go against the odd of networking go into sales of the industry you want to get in .. start as a Junior Account manager or a similar entry level role they will easily see that you are willing to learn; apply for roles you know you will get the job but simply refuse the offer ...use them for practice .
   To get a job you need to review your CV daily .. as you start applying for roles in another industry slowly cater your cv to them act as if you are already there .. add similar duties into your cv so it leaves less chances of them thinking you're not qualified.