How can you use restructuring experience to find new opportunities?

1 Identify your strengths and passions

Restructuring is a broad and diverse skill that encompasses many aspects of business, such as finance, operations, strategy, legal, and human resources. You may have developed expertise in one or more of these areas, or you may have gained a holistic perspective on how to diagnose and solve complex problems. Either way, you should identify your strengths and passions, and how they align with your desired career path. For example, if you enjoy working with numbers and data, you may consider pursuing a role in financial analysis, valuation, or consulting. If you prefer working with people and leading change, you may opt for a role in management, coaching, or entrepreneurship.

2 Build and maintain your network

Restructuring is a skill that involves working with various stakeholders, such as clients, creditors, investors, regulators, and employees. You may have established valuable relationships with these parties, or you may have collaborated with other restructuring professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants. You should build and maintain your network, as it can provide you with referrals, recommendations, insights, and opportunities. You can do this by staying in touch with your former colleagues and clients, attending industry events and conferences, joining online communities and forums, and reaching out to potential mentors and sponsors.

3 Showcase your achievements and impact

Restructuring is a skill that requires delivering results under pressure, overcoming challenges, and creating value for businesses and stakeholders. You may have achieved impressive outcomes, such as saving jobs, improving performance, reducing debt, or facilitating a successful exit. You should showcase your achievements and impact, as they can demonstrate your capabilities, credibility, and potential to future employers, partners, or investors. You can do this by updating your resume and portfolio, highlighting your skills and accomplishments, quantifying your impact and value creation, and preparing case studies and testimonials.

4 Learn new skills and trends

Restructuring is a skill that demands constant learning and adaptation, as the business environment and the restructuring landscape change rapidly and unpredictably. You may have learned new skills and trends, such as digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, or diversity and inclusion. You should continue to learn new skills and trends, as they can help you stay relevant, competitive, and innovative in your field or industry. You can do this by enrolling in online courses and certifications, reading books and articles, listening to podcasts and webinars, and joining professional associations and groups.

5 Explore new opportunities and markets

Restructuring is a skill that exposes you to new opportunities and markets, as you work with different types of businesses, industries, and geographies. You may have discovered new opportunities and markets, such as emerging sectors, niches, or regions, that match your interests, skills, or goals. You should explore new opportunities and markets, as they can offer you growth, diversity, and fulfillment in your career. You can do this by conducting research and analysis, networking and seeking advice, applying for jobs or projects, or launching your own venture or initiative.

Restructuring is a skill that can open many doors for you, if you know how to use it to your advantage. By identifying your strengths and passions, building and maintaining your network, showcasing your achievements and impact, learning new skills and trends, and exploring new opportunities and markets, you can find new ways to advance your career, switch your industry, or start your own venture. What are some of the benefits and challenges of having restructuring experience? How have you used it to find new opportunities? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.

6 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?