Making the Switch: Navigating Career Changes

Career changes happen more frequently than we think and can be stressful or overwhelming to navigate. Oftentimes we think about changing careers, but don’t know where to begin, doubt our abilities, or are afraid that we will fail. The following piece, written by D&G’s Hillary Palleschi-Browne tells her career story change and gives advice for those looking to follow suit.

?March 9, 2020, I began a new chapter in my career, transitioning from a teaching position into an Executive Assistant role with a government contracting company providing support to DHS #CISA. I never imagined changing careers, let alone starting a new job, having four days in the office, and being sent packing as we all began to navigate the global pandemic.

?In those four short days, I met my boss,?my?co-workers, and found my cubicle. Three years later, I am still a government contractor and do not regret making the switch. In all honesty, I feel grateful and lucky to have not had to teach Physical Education over zoom.

?Being a teacher with 11 years?of?experience and an athletic coach with 15+ years of experience gave me an advantage?when I changed?careers. Many of the skills I developed in my time as a teacher and coach were directly transferable to the new role. Skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, patience, empathy, critical thinking, creativity, enthusiasm, leadership, resourcefulness,?being?levelheaded, leadership, discipline, integrity, commitment, passion, and energy proved to be important in getting my new role. These skills gave me a competitive advantage compared to others making a career switch because I had already acquired these foundational skills through being a teacher and coach.

?In the short period of time I have been in government contracting, I have learned a tremendous amount and have also been successful in growing my career rather quickly. I started as an Executive Assistant in 2020, in March of 2022 I became a Senior Administrative Officer, in May of 2022 I was promoted to Deputy Program Manager and in January of this year I was promoted to Program Manager. In my current role at D&G Support Services I supervise 30 personnel who provide support to DHS CISA across multiple divisions. I am grateful to work for such an amazing company like D&G as they care about each individual and are willing to help team members grow.

?My advice to anyone interested in making a career change is to weigh the pros and cons of your current role, dive deep into what are some non-negotiables you would want in your new role and begin exploring! Embrace the challenge and be sure to have a supportive network of people around you.

?When making a career change, many of us forget the skills that we have already acquired through not only previous work experience but through life experiences. Technical skills such as learning a new software, program, or technique can be taught with relative ease. Skills like #adaptability, #empathy, #resourcefulness, #communication, and #leadership are harder to teach and therefore it is important that in switching careers you are able to highlight these skills.

?Career changes can be nerve-wracking and stressful, but they can also be highly rewarding and are usually worth the effort. Fears of being “too old,” or “unqualified,” or having to “start over,” can be hard to overcome. However, as seen through this personal anecdote, oftentimes we are much more prepared for a career change than we think. Chances are we already have a vast array of skills in our toolkit, skills that can be transferable to a new career. The key is being able to elevate those skills and frame them in a way that fits the new role or new career. Many technical skills can be taught, but the interpersonal and professional skills developed through life and through previous work experience will prove invaluable when starting a new career. This is why at D&G, we emphasize looking at the individual holistically, seeing what unique skills and life experiences a person can bring to the team. It is this mindset that has helps us create a highly skilled, diverse, and unstoppable team.?