How do you tell people what you do for a living?

Question

If you work in an unusual field, like something internet related, or in a field that is up and coming, like CBD or marijuana, how do you tell people about what you do as a job title/description?

Carrie Topolski · Answer

I hate that question of what do you do for a living... my job is complex.  I usually end up saying, 'I'm a project manager for rebuilds in the Power Industry.' and hope they don't ask more lol.

Maggie B · Answer

Sounds like 'I work in the holistic healthcare' field fits here.  I am a business analyst and run in to that a lot and have a little elevator pitch I've perfected over the past few years.

Cara Summers · Answer

The mainstream world is way more open to the cannabis industry than ever before. But if you want to go around the employer topic, maybe you can highlight your title/skillset on what you do for the company.

For example, saying you're a programmer at a small medical company is short and sweet.

Anonymous · Answer

I think my answer would depend a lot on who is asking me and where I live. If you live in a state where Marijuana is not fully legal, I would pay close attention to your audience.

Alice Johnson · Answer

I would honestly love any way that you put it! Lol.I dont think there is any inappropriate way to describe your industry as long as it's legal. If you love the industry you're in don't be afraid to flaunt it, even if some people may be shocked. Hey, maybe it will turn into an interesting conversation beyond the boring small talk! Just try to stay away from jargon so that anyone outside of the industry will understand what you're saying.

Helen Hanison · Answer

I would use the who - what - why of what you do to help you structure your articulation in a succinct way.  Who / as in who do you help; what as in what with and your why for doing so.  Let's pretend we're talking CBD this might go along the lines of.... and in fact a (coaching) client of mine runs a business around this!  It works well saying something like: I help people in pain find a safe way to make that manageable because knowledge at the cutting edge means they can have that control (or b/c of a significance story - you researched xx when your yy was in that situation...). Hope that's enough to see what I mean and you can make It your own from there.  I would also ask what stories you're telling yourself about others' response to what you do?  If you have conviction and passion about who you help and what with, then it might change your perspective if you consider your role to educate.  This area is at the cutting edge and not yet in the mainstream but it's not 'bad', it's good.  Anything new is treated with suspicion until the market is educated.  Hope that helps

Sandra Diaz · Answer

I'd suggest keeping it to your function, industry (if you feel comfortable) and one thing you love about what you do. For example, I'd say 'I'm a former corporate marketer turned career coach. I love seeing women and minorities go from feeling stuck in their search to landing a new dream job even after a career hiatus.'

Sierra Modro · Answer

I'm in process switching from one very hard to describe field to an only slightly less hard to describe job.

I WAS a technology futurist, professional speaker and consultant. That's a conversation right there!

I'm getting ready to join a company with nearly 100% name recognition, but I'm going to be doing strategic planning and product management around their external training and certification on highly technical topics.  Yeah, I don't think that's going to be any easier. Lol.

How do you tell people what you do for a living?

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.