How to successfully make the move to a new industry or market

When considering a new career, the prospect of change can be daunting. Figuring out what you want to do after working for so long in a particular industry or role can be hard, and making the leap isn’t without risk. Whether you are after a new role within your current industry, entering an entirely different market or moving to a new country, maximise the assets you do have and think carefully about your job seeking strategy to help the move stick.
Relate your old world to your new world
Not having direct experience in a particular field doesn’t have to be a barrier to entry. The trick is to relate your previous experience and transferable skills to the new roles you’re pursuing. Skills such as research, time management, excellent communication and problem solving are revered in most industries and the basis for any role. For example, the initiative and leadership capabilities that you have acquired from experience managing a team of Engineers is likely to be just as applicable to success within a role managing a marketing team. The key is to use examples of achievements in your past roles to showcase how well you could perform in your new role.
Sell your otherness
While your lack of experience can be an obstacle when approaching a new career, it is not without its benefits. When coming into a role with no preconceived notions you are in a unique position to see processes and projects as they are and note potential improvements. When you aren’t set in a certain way of doing things, you have the freedom to try things in a way that’s new and unrestrained, which could end up bringing about an innovative new insight.
Think big
When looking to dive into a new role you may feel you’d have better luck at a smaller, less prominent organisation, but research indicates this is not necessarily true. A recent US study undertaken by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that larger organisations are twice as likely to hire a candidate without relevant experience when compared to a smaller organisation. Smaller organisations may not have the time or resources to train new staff, whereas larger organisations are more likely to take a leap of faith and hire based on generalist qualities like culture fit, personality and intelligence and provide on the job training.
Use contracting roles to try new things
One solution can be to test the waters with contract work. By working part time or in short term roles, you can gauge what it is you would like to do with your career and reduce the risk of entering an unsuitable role. Engaging as a white collar contractor (Independent Professional/IPro) allows you to build experience and a solid skill base in a new profession, learn the ropes in a fully immersive atmosphere, and make valuable industry connections that could help you land future roles down the track.