How can IT Sales professionals switch careers without starting from scratch?

1 Assess your skills

The first step to switching careers is to assess your skills and how they match the requirements of your target field or role. You can utilize online tools such as SkillScan or CareerOneStop to help you identify your transferable skills and any gaps. IT sales professionals typically possess communication capabilities, problem-solving techniques, project management experience, and technical knowledge. Communication involves being able to effectively converse with different audiences, from technical experts to decision-makers, while also having the ability to persuade, negotiate, and close deals. Problem-solving entails analyzing complex situations, identifying customer needs and pain points, and proposing solutions that meet their goals and budget. Project management entails planning, executing, and monitoring sales projects, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, as well as managing multiple tasks and deadlines. Lastly, having technical knowledge means having a solid understanding of IT products and services, their features and benefits, as well as how they fit into different scenarios and industries.

2 Research your options

The next step is to research your options and find out what kind of careers are available and suitable for your skills and interests. You can use online resources such as O*Net or CareerExplorer to explore different occupations and industries, their outlook, salary, and education requirements. Additionally, browsing job boards and social media platforms like LinkedIn can provide insight into the roles in demand and the skills and qualifications they require. Some of the possible careers that IT sales professionals can switch to are business analyst, product manager, and marketing manager. As a business analyst, you can use your communication, problem-solving, and technical skills to analyze business processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and design solutions that meet customer needs. As a product manager, you can leverage your project management, communication, and technical skills to oversee the development of IT products and services from ideation to delivery. Lastly, as a marketing manager you can utilize your communication, technical, and creative skills to plan marketing strategies for IT products from branding to lead generation while measuring their effectiveness.

3 Leverage your network

The final step is to leverage your network and connect with people who can help you find and land your desired career. You can reach out to former colleagues, clients, vendors, or mentors for referrals, recommendations, or introductions. Additionally, you can expand your network by joining online communities, groups, or events related to your target field or role, and engaging with relevant content and conversations. Networking can provide many benefits when it comes to switching careers; for example, it can help you learn from the experiences of others who have made similar career changes, showcase your skills and personality to potential employers or recruiters, and discover hidden job openings.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?