Experience matters: Accelerate your career growth with industry know-how

Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Many seasoned professionals believe that leveraging your industry experience is one of the most effective ways to achieve career advancement.

“Industry experience isn't just a line on your resume – it's a rich reservoir of skills and knowledge that can fuel your professional growth,” says Salem A. , head of Google Cloud, Singapore.

“I've been focusing on tech for most of my career, but I had the opportunity to deep dive into the finance industry and transfer many skills that helped me grow.”

In this edition of the Get Hired by LinkedIn News Asia newsletter, we'll explore strategies to unlock your potential and provide insights on accelerating your career growth.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in advancing your career? Share your advice in the comments below using #GetHiredAsia.

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Leverage your journey

Your past experience helps you gain the skills and knowledge you need for your current role, says Derek Tan , co-founder at Viddsee.

Whether it’s for your next job, role or business venture, Tan suggests ways on how you can leverage your experience:?

1?? Greater credibility: Your enhanced CV and personal brand have made it easier for people to trust you and your work.

2?? Better communicator: You have made mistakes along the way and learnt how to handle people.?

3?? Upskilled and reskilled: You’ve picked up what you like or don’t like to do. You know what energises you in life and at work.

4?? Build relationships: These are your colleagues, industry peers and mentors.?

Don’t limit yourself?

Whether it's through embracing new challenges, volunteering, or exploring new fields, the key is to keep expanding your horizons and not limit yourself, suggests Stephanie Krishnan , associate vice president at IDC.

Executive coach Shelli K. Trung shares her journey through multiple career changes, including roles in medical science, change management, real estate, startup founding, and venture capital. She explains how she used these 'hacks' to overcome self-doubt:

?? Know your learning style: Figure out what works best for you. Many individuals get to adulthood without having figured this out.

?? Keep it experimental: Limiting feedback can help you manage your emotions. If something didn't go as expected, move on to the next experiment.

? Maintain a time budget: Most people know how to keep a financial budget but how many of us pay attention to the time we spend on tasks?

“The best things that have happened to me are because I have taken chances, walked through open doors, and tried things well outside of my comfort zone,” shares Neil Mann , founder at Future Horizon.?

Use your existing skills?

“Your existing skills can address current problems and fit emerging trends,” says ex-banker turned storyteller Anna Ong .?

“Switching industries multiple times might seem unconventional, but what I've realised is that certain skills remain universally relevant. They act as the secret sauce for career advancement,” adds Janine Teo , CEO at Solve Education.

Network insightfully

“My initial audience came primarily from my banking and business school network. Your existing connections can provide insights and opportunities,” suggests Anna.?

Eng Kian Lee , managing partner at PKF-CAP agrees. He believes a strong network within your industry can open doors to new opportunities. "Attend industry events, join professional groups, and actively engage with peers on platforms like LinkedIn."?

Amplify your personal brand

"Craft a compelling LinkedIn summary tailored to your career goals and regularly update your experience and accomplishments," says Salem. "Participate in industry discussions to showcase your insights and build professional visibility," he adds.

Know your value

"Dive deep into your past projects and successes and translate experience for new opportunities," says Salem A. He also suggests to:?

?? Identify transferable skills: Problem-solving, adaptability, communication – these are valued across industries. Highlight skills that easily adapt to new roles or sectors.

?? Quantify outcomes: Numbers speak louder than words. Wherever possible, quantify your impact (e.g., increased customer satisfaction by 15%)

?? Connect the dots: Don't be limited by job titles. Demonstrate how your skills from past roles apply to a desired position.

??? Speak the language: When switching fields, tailor your resume and interviews to highlight how your industry-specific knowledge is an asset in the new environment.

?? Embrace lifelong learning: Supplement your experience with targeted courses or certifications to bridge any knowledge gaps.

?? Seek mentors in your target field: They can provide invaluable insights and help you navigate your career trajectory.

Continuous learning

"Stay abreast of industry trends and changes, whether it's through formal education, workshops, or self-study. Being knowledgeable positions you as an expert in your field,” says Eng Kian.

“Skills constantly need to be refined and updated through lifelong learning; embrace and respond to changes in your career, organisation, industry, or life, rather than just reacting,” suggests Neil.

What strategies have you found to be most effective in advancing your career? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below and/or in a post using #GetHiredAsia

Use introversion to your advantage: Judson Teo , marketing expert, Singapore. Join the conversation.

When in doubt, take the path less travelled: Caleb Tan , senior manager at MOHT, Singapore. Join the conversation.

Real-world experiences shape our career paths: Lily Lee, SHRM-SCP, IHRP-SP , senior vice president HR at ERA, Singapore. Join the conversation.

Highlight skills and competencies: Fabien Ghys , founder at Excellence Resumes, Singapore. Join the conversation.

Leverage your unique journey: Whee Teck ONG , Partner at EY, Singapore. Join the conversation.

The power of outside-in awareness: Anish Lalchandani , global head of talent management at A.P. Moller, Singapore. Join the conversation.

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Want to learn more about how you can prepare yourself to thrive in the workplace of the future? Keep an eye out for the next edition of the Get Hired Asia newsletter in two weeks’ time. Make sure you never miss an issue by subscribing here.

Reported By: Neha Jain Kale– LinkedIn News Editor covering jobs and career development in Asia.

Community Manager: Alita Utari Dewi

Editor’s Note: Some quotes were edited for length and clarity.