How to Transition to a New Industry

Considering a Career Transition? Doing this one thing can make the difference between being overlooked or being selected for an interview and landing an offer. ✅ Be the obvious choice – Don’t assume recruiters will connect the dots. They’re often scanning for an exact title match. Your job? Bridge the gap for them. Translate your past experience into the language of your target role so they see you as a natural fit. Example:  Transition from a Project Manager → Product Manager Let’s say you’ve been a Project Manager for years but want to move into a Product Manager role. A recruiter or hiring manager might not immediately see the connection because they’re looking for candidates with direct Product Management titles. Instead of listing: ❌ “Managed project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications.” Reframe it to match Product Management language: ✅ “Led cross-functional teams to deliver customer-focused solutions, prioritizing features based on business impact and user needs.” Why this works: “Led cross-functional teams” aligns with how product managers work across engineering, design, and marketing. “Customer-focused solutions” signals an understanding of product development, not just project execution. “Prioritizing features based on business impact and user needs” shows a product mindset—something critical for a PM role. ✨ Bonus: 📎📄 Attached is an in-depth example of how to identify your transferable skills and effectively highlight them as relevant experience. This can be a tool that assists you with your resume, interviewing and negotiating. 💡 Need guidance? Assisting clients with career pivots and transitions is something I excel at. Plus - I’ve successfully navigated several transitions in my own career, so I’ve lived it. Let’s connect! #CareerChange #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #CareerTransition #Laidoff #CareerDevelopment #CareerGrowth #JobSeeker #CareerPivot

Job titles and duties DO NOT always translate cleanly across different organizations. Awhile back, I was sourcing talent for a Product Security opening at a small SaaS organization, and one thing the hiring manager emphasized was that talent from larger organizations may not hit all the requirements we were looking for. Why? Because at a larger organization, duties may be parsed out across a several engineers and we needed someone who had a broad range of skills and experience. This is something candidates may not always have insight into when applying to different roles but is important to consider as you position yourself for your next move. Research and Understand the Industry you are interested in moving into. It's crucial to gain a deep understanding of its unique dynamics, trends, and challenges. Dive into industry-specific publications, attend webinars, and engage with professionals already working in the field. By immersing yourself in the industry's nuances, you can develop valuable insights and identify areas where your skills and experiences can make a significant impact. Network, Network, Network: Building a strong network is paramount when exploring opportunities in adjacent industries. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals who have successfully made similar transitions. Engage in meaningful conversations, seek advice, and ask for introductions to key individuals within the industry. Networking not only provides valuable insights but also increases your visibility and opens doors to potential opportunities. Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving world, staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments is crucial. Invest in your professional development by acquiring new certifications, attending relevant workshops, or pursuing online courses that can enhance your knowledge and skills in the target industry. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning showcases your dedication to growth and adaptability, making you a more attractive candidate. Remember, titles and job descriptions may differ across organizations, but your skills, expertise, and passion are universal. By emphasizing transferable skills, conducting thorough industry research, networking strategically, investing in continuous learning, and showcasing your adaptability and passion, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate in an adjacent industry. #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #AdjacentIndustries #ProfessionalDevelopment

Client Win: Career Pivot Achieved! New Role, More Pay, More Joy! Client's Situation: ➡ Not excited about her career path, not connected to the company or work being done ➡ Asked manager if there’s an opportunity to explore other roles, but the company is very structured and only allows you to stick to the current path ➡ Looking for roles to apply to but unsure which roles and companies align with skills and experience - either too junior or senior ➡ Spoken with friends and family in the current network but their expertise is in other fields Client's Goals: ➡ Support with career exploration, job search, networking, and application strategy ➡ Learn how to better self-promote and market ➡ Understand if the current industry is the right industry The Coaching Plan: ➡ Career Exploration: Inventory of current skills and strengths, as well as industries and roles of interest. ➡ Networking & Informational Interviews: Coaching on how to set up informational interviews with people who either work at companies or have roles you’re interested in. Provide tools so these chats lead to potential referrals and help target which roles and companies to go after. ➡ Job & Application Strategy: Identify companies and roles aligned with values and goals, and optimize resume, and interview preparation. As well as what to look for when reviewing an offer and negotiating. Results: ➡ Pivoted career paths, breaking into a new Data Analytics role, without additional training or education, able to identify and showcase her transferable skills ➡ Increased compensation by 20% and no demotion in title ➡ Ideal work environment, moving to a flexible and more remote office model ➡ Aligned values, moved to a female-led and founded company ➡ Room for growth, learning, and opportunity ➡ Strengthened networking skills leading to conversations with CEOs and leaders in the industry, building confidence and belief in the ability to pivot ➡ Increased rate of initial HR screenings with resume refinement ➡ Strengthened presentation and communication skills, creating and presenting decks in final rounds of interviews to convey value She worked HARD for this career pivot; there were ups and downs, but the most important part was that when she was ready to commit and put her energy into it, she got the results she was looking for.   The women I work with are freaking awesome. My job is to create a plan that supports you, showcases your gifts, and helps you find the next role, work environment, and manager who sees that and will allow you to grow.    If you have a clear vision for what you want your next role to be and need the support, planning, and accountability to get there, learn more about the Pivot & Promotion Community. Check out the P.S. line. #careerpivots #careercoaching #womensupportingwomen

Career transitions are tough–but they’re more common than ever. Last week, I hosted a webinar about navigating career changes. Here are few of the tips I shared: 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. After a layoff, allow space for recovery and reflection. Then build structure into your days so that you’re balancing the job search with personal pursuits. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿. Identify what energizes you and what’s non-negotiable. Without focus, you risk landing a job you later wish you hadn’t taken. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆. Be open to new possibilities. Think about how your skills and experience can transfer to new roles or industries you hadn't considered before. 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. Refresh your LinkedIn profile, resume, and highlights to align with your current goals. Being generic won’t get you noticed. 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵. Take stock of your experiences and interests and create a short summary of your experiences and interests so people know how you might fit into potential opportunities. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. Learn about others’ roles and industries. Share your story. Don’t ask for a job–ask for insights or advice. 𝗕𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. Consider part-time work, freelancing, or short term projects to build momentum and add to your experience while you figure out your longer-term path. 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. Follow career coaches for free insights or consider investing in coaching to gain clarity on your strengths, values, and goals, and how to frame your impact. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵-𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀—the people who know your superpowers (and blindspots) can help you see possibilities you may not recognize on your own. 𝗔 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲–𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲–𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. It can build new skills, networks and experiences that catalyze a new career direction. These aren't just general ideas—they're practices that have helped me, too. Over the course of my career, I’ve navigated four major transitions—each driven by different reasons: shifting priorities after starting a family, a desire for broader growth, a layoff, and the pull toward betting on myself. Each time, the same fundamentals made the difference: clarity, connection, and the courage to stay open to new possibilities. Career transitions are an opportunity to reset with more intention and clarity about what truly matters right now. The experience can vary widely depending on where you are in your career, your skills and experiences, your industry–and your mindset. If you’ve navigated a career transition, what’s one piece of advice you’d share?

5-Steps To Finding a New Career: TV Producer Edition As a former TV producer, network executive and startup founder, I've had the opportunity of watching dozens of talented TV producers and executives pivot into entirely new careers in radically different industries. Their bravery inspired my own pivot into becoming a Mindfulness-based Performance Coach. Making a pivot can feel paralyzing. "What if I can't transfer my skills? What if I invest time into a new path and fail?" I've recognized a pragmatic 5-step process that has helped producers and creatives transcend these fears and confidently transition into growth industries. By integrating mindfulness principles into this process, I've seen dozens of my own clients gain the clarity and resilience they needed to embrace change and thrive in new careers. My hope is that this process can help you or someone you know, so please feel free to share! STEP ONE: Skill Translation Break free from limiting self-perceptions by objectively inventorying your talents. Producers are exceptional project managers, creative thinkers, communicators and leaders. These are incredibly transferable strengths. The question is, where can we take them? STEP TWO: Market Immersion Research growth industries that align with your skills and workplace preferences. Set informal coffee meetings to hear firsthand about roles in industries like tech, media, marketing, learning & development. Approach these meetings with curiosity, not expectation of a job offer. Don't be needy, be inquisitive and interested. STEP THREE: Target Roles & Companies Based on your interests and research, identify 3-5 specific job titles and companies experiencing major expansions in GROWTH INDUSTRIES. Here are some examples: -Tech & Software: These folks need content. Producers can create tutorials, demos, videos for tech companies and/or lead entire content departments. -E-Learning: The rise of online learning & remote education demands quality content. Producers can develop videos, courses, multimedia materials for e-learning firms, universities. -Events & Live Production: These industries need skilled pros to produce engaging live experiences like conferences, concerts, etc. Producers can leverage event planning, coordination, & broadcasting expertise to get these jobs. STEP FOUR: Iterative Job Experiments Now it's time to start applying and interviewing with an experimental mindset. Don't put pressure on finding the "perfect" opportunity. Leverage each interaction as a data point to further refine your direction. STEP FIVE: Patience + Persistence Making a successful pivot requires resilience. Some opportunities may not work out - view these as progressive lessons, not failures. Stay motivated, continue networking, and regularly re-evaluate your target roles. The right fit is coming. #timduffymeditation #mindfulness #mediapocalypse #belikewater

The moment you realize a career transition is calling your name: A flood of emotions. Fear, stress, anxiety, uncertainty... All flowing in suddenly, feeling so very real it seems they’ll never go away. But with some effort you can make them temporary. The first step: Shift your mindset from reactive to proactive. The key now is to maintain your composure and chart a deliberate path forward: 1. Buy yourself time and space to strategize This doesn’t mean checking out, failing to do your job, or becoming the toxic colleague. This means carving out time to make a plan, check your behavior, and think about your legacy at this company. 2. Start documenting your accomplishments Outline your: → major projects, → performance metrics, → the outcomes you and your team achieved, → the tools and systems you used, → your lessons learned along the way. This will help you build an inventory of information that will make it easier for you to update your resume and your LinkedIn profile. 3. Reflect on your values and desires for your next role Answer 3 questions here: - What do I really want? - What am I excited about working on? - What does the world need and want from me? This will help you define your path forward, and narrow the scope of your search to roles that objectively meet your needs and desires. 4. Lean on your support system Your mentors, and perhaps a career coach. Finding a great new job is not easy, it will take time, and there will be bumps along the way. The people around you can be instrumental in helping you see this through. If you’re going to hire a coach, doing so several months before you plan to leave your current role can give you the best return on your investment. Remember, how you handle this transition will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues (your network) and your own sense of professional integrity. Navigating a career inflection point can feel overwhelming. But you don't have to do it alone. If you're ready for a thought partner to help you clarify your goals and make a plan, let's set up a time to have a conversation.

If you’re thinking about making a career change, here’s the most common mistake you want to avoid... ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Not doing your homework! I see it all the time, people get excited about a career pivot and rush into it without fully preparing. They’re ready for change, but they overlook the importance of: ↳ RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! Before you take the leap, have you really dug into the industry you’re moving into? It’s not just about surface-level knowledge. Do you know who the thought leaders are, which companies are driving innovation, and what skills are in demand? Have you explored the different career paths and figured out what your next steps could look like? Take the time to dig deep, read articles, listen to podcasts, follow experts, and talk to people who are already in the field. Don’t just assume it’ll all work out. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision and the smoother your transition will be. ↳ Dipping your toes first. It’s so tempting to go all in when you’re excited about making a change, but rushing in without a test run can lead to overwhelm and frustration. Instead, take small, intentional steps to see if this new path is really the right fit for you. Start by exploring low-risk opportunities, (freelance projects, part-time work, or even volunteer roles) that let you get a taste of what it’s like in your new field. You could also shadow someone in the industry or take an online course to get a better feel for the skills and challenges involved. This way, you can ease into the transition and avoid jumping in too quickly, which could leave you feeling unsure or burned out. You want to make sure the change aligns with your goals before fully committing. ↳ Having a strong network. Your network is one of your biggest assets during a career transition. It’s not just about adding names to your list, it's about building meaningful connections that will help you along the way. When you surround yourself with the right people, you get access to insider knowledge, guidance, and advice that can make all the difference. Plus, those connections can open doors to opportunities you might not have come across on your own. Take the time to connect with people already in the industry, ask questions, share your goals, and stay engaged with them. Build relationships that are authentic, not just transactional. Whether through LinkedIn, attending events, or reaching out to others in the field, your network will be a key support system as you make your transition. Rushing into a career change without these key steps can lead to a lot of frustration. Ask me how I know 🫠 So, take your time to build that solid foundation. It will pay off in the long run.

Today, people are considering a career change more than ever before. But here's what stops most of them: "I'll have to take a pay cut." After helping 100+ professionals switch industries successfully, I can tell you - that's not true. Here's how to change careers without sacrificing your salary: 1/ Document your transferable skills ↳ Leadership experience works everywhere ↳ Problem-solving is valuable in any industry ↳ Communication skills are always in demand 2/ Position yourself strategically ↳ Focus on solving industry problems ↳ Show how your experience brings fresh perspective ↳ Highlight successful projects that translate 3/ Research growing industries ↳ Look for sectors with talent shortages ↳ Target roles with overlapping skills ↳ Find companies that value diverse experience 4/ Build your narrative ↳ Share why you're making the switch ↳ Connect your past achievements to new industry ↳ Show how your unique background adds value Last month, my client went from finance to tech: → No tech degree → No industry experience → Got a 15% raise The secret? She focused on what she brought to the table instead of what she lacked. Remember: Your skills are valuable. Your experience matters. The right strategy makes all the difference. What industry are you looking to transition into? #careerchange #careergrowth #jobsearch #careeradvice

Ever climbed a mountain only to realize you're climbing the wrong one? A 37-year-old man came to me who desperately wanted to transition to a new industry. His work had become stale and he'd hit the ceiling on compensation. He knew he could find more meaningful work and make more money. He'd been randomly applying for jobs and getting nowhere for several months. Here are the steps we took to turn his search around: 𝟭. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: → We reviewed past roles and responsibilities and identified the underlying skills he was using. 𝟮. 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 → Based on his skills and interests, what he enjoyed in the past, and his target income, we decided a Product Owner role was the right role. 𝟯. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗵is 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆: → He scheduled calls with pros who were already in his target role and industry to validate his beliefs and identify gaps in his skills 𝟰. 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 → He took an online course ($395) and became a CPM When he started focusing on a specific role and doing the research, his situation began changing. From his networking, he made inroads into companies he was interested in. He learned what was important to be successful in the role and what hiring managers were looking for. He quickly landed formal interviews with two companies. A few months later he got an offer. If you don’t know where you’re going, you could end up climbing mountains you don't need to climb. Before you transition, take the time to define what exactly it is you want. You'll save time in the long run and increase your chances of success. PS - ♻️ Repost this if you found it helpful. #leadership #careerdevelopment #personaldevelopment

Ever heard the term "transferable skills" but not quite sure what it means or how to leverage them? Being able to identify these skills is critical when navigating career changes from breaking into new industries, job/role families, seeking leadership positions and more. Here's the breakdown: 1)What are Transferable Skills? Transferable skills are abilities and talents that can be applied across different roles, industries, and even job functions. They're the core strengths you've developed through your experiences, whether it's from previous jobs/internships, volunteering, class projects, and even hobbies. Examples include communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. 2) Identifying YOUR Transferable Skills: The first step is recognizing your own set of transferable skills. Here are some tips to identify them: - Think about specific situations where you excelled. What actions did you take? What were the positive outcomes? Did you lead a team to success? Did you resolve a complex issue? Did you effectively communicate a challenging idea? - Use online resources: Many websites and career platforms offer skills assessments and inventories to help you identify your transferable skills. Check out Google's new #CareerDreamer tool. [grow.google/careerdreamer] 3) Assessing Skills Required for Target Roles: Aligning Your Skills with Employer Needs - Once you have a clear understanding of your own transferable skills, the next step is to research and analyze the skills required for the roles you are targeting. This involves a combination of research, networking, and careful analysis of job descriptions. 4) Strategic Integration of Skills into a Resume: Showcasing Your Value Proposition - The final and crucial step is to effectively communicate your transferable skills on your resume in a way that resonates with potential employers. This involves more than simply listing your skills; it requires showcasing them through concrete examples and quantifiable achievements. Throughout my career pivots (public relations, sales, scrum master, program management) across various companies, each solving different customer problems since graduating college, I've had to complete these steps listed multiple times and will continue to do so in the future to help elevate my resume content. I don't see this as a one-time assessment, but something you may do quarterly, annually, or whatever cadence works for your goals. #transferableskills #careersuccess #jobsearch #resume #skilldevelopment #careertips #careergoals #professionaldevelopment #noceilings #blackintech