Looking at changing my professional industry and was wondering about others who have done this:

What steps did you take?
Why did you want to change industries?
What ended up making it a success?

Interested in hearing stories, etc. from people who have been through this before. Tried to search for any topics on this, as I am sure they exist, sorry if it's a repeat.

8/2/2016 4:42:45 PM

not industry as much as career field.

Quote :

"What steps did you take? Why did you want to change industries? What ended up making it a success?"

Asking for/identifying responsibilities out side of my original job description to get experience. Having success with said new responsibilities and getting noticed for it. Taking on more/bigger/higher visibility projects in the area I wanted to be in. Aggressively applying to relevant jobs at name-brand employers to continue building on that experience (I put in over 50 applications to my current employer).

My previous job would have potentially pigeon holed me into a niche with a low salary ceiling and it was boring as hell.

I was successful partly because I had graduate degrees already, even though they are very non-traditional for the field I'm in. Networking. Selling yourself. Learning skills that are currently marketable and continually padding your resume. Not being complacent. Being aggressive in your salary negotiations. Knowing when to move on and when to stay.

8/2/2016 5:12:59 PM

I changed from military (aviation) to engineering.

I didn't really take any steps; my degree was already in mechanical engineering, and some of my technical knowledge about radars and sensors was applicable.

I didn't really want to so much as I couldn't have stayed in the USMC and kept 50/50 custody of my daughter, which took years and tens of thousands of dollars to get. I don't know if I could ever get it back if I gave it up, and it doesn't matter; she needs me really badly because her mom sucks. She can't afford even a few years of me stationed somewhere else where she'd be with her mom primarily.

Making it a success? I mean...I think I'm a smart dude, which helps, and I think the professionalism and determination developed in the USMC goes a long way, too.





My long-term goal is to get a top-tier MBA and transition again to finance (investment banking or venture capital).

8/2/2016 10:05:56 PM

I switched from marine meteorology to air quality meteorology. My first job was a risk communicator for the shipping industry. It was alright at first, but I quickly realized the long term prospects for career growth within the field was very limiting. There aren't but so many weather routing companies around the world and shift work really took a toll on my overall health. I ended up searching for jobs back east (was working in Oklahoma ) and found that a career in air quality work had better long term prospects for career advancement. Every state has something air quality-related (permitting, modeling, etc), so I just kept applying to anything in close vicinity of Raleigh. Eventually I landed an entry level AQ job in SC. It was a lateral move with slightly less pay, but I was willing to take the hit gaining valuable experience for better career advancement. The gamble paid off in 2.5 years when I got a higher paying AQ job in the Triad. I probably make on par with what I'd probably be making at the weather routing company if I stayed, but working 40 hrs/wk M-F with pretty good benefits makes it >>>>

Not sure what really made the switch successful. I have an advanced degree (MS), so that may improve your chances. I took a few air quality classes in school, but had no prior experience within the field. So yeah you probably need some education/training within the new industry of choice.

8/3/2016 9:00:32 AM

I switched from an engineering/management role in my company with one division to a pure management position in a related division, but my job is completely different. I don't do anything remotely engineering based now, all strict business deals and managing operations/people. I made the move as it gave me better locations in terms of where to locate my family, was a pay raise at the time, and the division was growing while my old division was shrinking.

Success wise, I make about what I'd be making in my old division, but my current role definitely has less "glory" as the division I'm in is much smaller than the prior division. Sometimes I miss my old role, other days not so much.

Ultimately if you are considering a big career change, I think you just need to weigh pros/cons and keep a backup plan if you decide to go back to your original career. In my case, I was pretty confident I could go back to my old division easily if I desired too. Still can really, but I'm 5 years into my change and that becomes less likely each year.

8/3/2016 9:28:55 AM

Thank you all for the responses. It's helpful in terms of looking at what I do and how to make the switch. I am looking at a complete change into something I have basic knowledge and understanding of because of roles I have held, but seemingly not enough to even get traction in entry level position postings. I am sure at some point the traction will happen, just looking for some insight from people who have done it before.

8/4/2016 3:40:34 PM

Went from a 8+ year Research Scientist to a Fitness Studio Manager/Circus Instructor.

1. I thought about what made me happy, and what I could be passionate about. I had to think "Was I good enough to make this reliable income?"

2. I hated Research. 8-5, 9-6, weekends, demanding bosses, crappy pay, sexism...I was dreading work and praying for meningitis or something so I could call in sick. I never felt appreciated or that I was accomplishing anything.

3. My career misery made me turn a lot towards fitness and more "outlets" for my stress. I put a lot of time and effort into training and learning. I also knew if I switched, I'd make sacrifices, and had to be ok with that.

8/13/2016 11:15:15 AM

^ were you in client services sector?

8/13/2016 1:45:45 PM

No, I was benchtop.

8/15/2016 6:22:59 PM

I was just curious. Places like Eurofins, Sigma/ Merck, Millipore are all notorious for long hours. Esp Eurofins. Turnover rate is high, you'll always find a position there.

8/15/2016 9:47:57 PM

Do it before the next recession.

8/15/2016 10:00:08 PM