How to Transition to a New Industry

Whether it’s because you’re hitting snooze an extra time each day or you change the topic whenever someone asks how work is, you know you’re not as happy in your career as you once were. The first thing to do is determine whether you need to re-energize your current role, find a new job, or leave your field altogether. For the purposes of this article, I will focus on the last pathway, and I encourage you to find resources for the first two (many of which are on my blog!).

If you feel drawn to a new industry, this will require you to prepare even more strategically. The good news is people switch careers all the time. Here are my top four tips for you to do this successfully.

Grow Your Network

One of the best ways you can learn about a career is to ask people who do the job every day to talk with you about it. Review the people in your network (e.g., who you’re connected to on LinkedIn, fellow alumni from your alma mater, parents of your childrens’ classmates) to see who may resources. Research leaders in the profession you are interested in.

It’s even better if these contacts have also transitioned into their careers and can offer insights from their own experiences. Consider reaching out to ask for advice or making a point to connect with them at an industry event. Whether at a cocktail reception or sitting down with someone individually for coffee, you should thoughtfully prepare questions you want to ask and know what your goals are.

A friend was asked at a networking event what her dream was, and instead of using her practiced speech about continuing to advance in the corporate ranks, she boldly said she wanted to work at a healthcare nonprofit. A week later, the person called her to make a connection to an organization that supports pediatric cancer—she is now the executive director. Be sure to keep in touch with anyone you contact throughout your search, thanking them for their time and sharing updates.

Gain Exposure/Experience

In addition to having conversations with people about their careers, learn more about a new industry by getting direct exposure or experience. If there are not opportunities in your workplace to gain these new skills, you could also find ways outside of your day job.

Try volunteering in a nonprofit that relates to your interests, signing up for a committee in your faith community, or joining an association that provides exposure to what you want to learn. Maybe you enjoy hosting others and can organize a small fundraiser, or you can use your writing skills to advocate for an organization with policy makers, or your even-keeled nature would serve well on a hotline. Many organizations are looking for someone just like you to help support their mission and this can be a meaningful way to understand what a new career would be like before making the leap—as well as add relevant experience to your resume.

Tell Your Story

When you want to switch industries or careers, telling your story allows you to develop the narrative of how capable you’d be in this new role. Clearly outline your interests, whether in person or in writing, so the organization doesn’t have to guess your motivations. (For this reason, I believe cover letters are especially important for career changers.) Share with the hiring manager how you would be well-positioned based on your past experience, you enjoy learning new skills, and you think this role would bring you new challenges/learning/purpose.

As a hiring manager, I want to know that a candidate is truly interested in my organization and the role. For example, if you want to be in development, don’t tell me it’s because you love working with people. Many professions work with people, including being a coffee barista. Tell me what inspires you about the work, how it relates to your current skills, what you have learned about the field so far, and what you hope to learn more about.

Also, don’t presume you can automatically work in a new industry, if you have never done it before. When candidates tell me they have excelled in sales and therefore they would be great in development (because it’s “just like sales”), I cringe a bit. Having read (and loved) Daniel Pink’s, To Sell is Human, I understand that everything we do personally and professionally relates to sales. I also worked hard to get to where I am in my career, so I want to believe that my industry is special and not interchangeable with every other job out there. Show respect to the industry and acknowledge that you want to learn more about it.

Use the Lingo

When you tell your story, use the lingo of the industry you want to transition into. For example, externally facing roles in one industry would be customer-facing whereas another would be client-facing. For some, marketing is branding, while others see it as sales or growth. Incorporate the terminology for the new industry into your story. These language nuances will help someone start to see you in the new role, which is exactly what they need to do in order to hire you.

Any transition starts with a single, bold move. By doing the legwork to make your change successful, you will learn every step of the way. If you’re paying attention, this learning can validate your decision or give you additional things to think about. Regardless, putting yourself out there and exploring is worth the time—and could lead to a new role you’re unbelievably excited about.

Shanna Hocking is the Founder of Be Yourself Boldly and the Associate Vice President, Individual Giving at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Shanna frequently speaks and writes on leadership, fundraising, and career development. She has been published on Fast Company, The Huffington Post, Career Contessa, Motherly, and Forbes. Shanna's expertise has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, American Express Business Insights, and Thrive Global. For more reflections like this, sign up for Shanna's newsletter.