Are we doomed to work on the same thing for the rest of our lives?

ElianaLima·Mar 09, 2023

Posted in:Advice Personal Growth Society & Culture Career Growth

I recently moved to California from Brazil to pursue my career as a marketing professional and explore new opportunities. I've worked in the health market for six years and in the construction/real estate industry for twelve years, and I'm passionate about marketing and eager to expand my experience.

However, I'm finding it difficult to transition to a new industry, and I feel discouraged when recruiters and hiring managers suggest that I stick to industries where I have prior experience. Where is the growth mindset of the companies that want employees with a growth mindset? Are we doomed to work on the same thing for the rest of our lives? The world offers so many options and life is so short to be doing what we chose when we left university!

I strongly believe that companies with a growth mindset value employees who are adaptable, creative, and eager to learn. I have a proven track record of quickly learning and excelling in new environments, and I'm confident that my diverse background can be an asset to any team.

I'm passionate about marketing, and I'm not looking to change my profession. Rather, I'm seeking to explore new industries and gain fresh perspectives. I believe that life is too short to limit ourselves to a single industry, and I'm excited to see what opportunities lie ahead.

Any thoughts or suggestions on how to successfully transition to a new industry?

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Leilani213·Mar 10, 2023

Definitely not doomed! Keep up the positive attitude, because you're absolutely in the right 😊 I just moved from healthtech to fintech, and worked in consulting for government before that. I've found the trick is to make the connections for those interviewing you - what are the common threads you can draw on?For me, examples included:- I've done this type of work before (product management in my case), so I have the right skills- I've handled regulated environments before (so although the regulations differ, I know how to assess risk and work with red tape)- I've worked with this type of user before (e.g. users talking about something uncomfortable in both health and finance)- I've worked in this type of company before (B2C/B2B)- I've worked with these systems before (Slack/Gdrive/Figma etc.)- I've been on growth journeys with companies before (startups at similar stages)You'll start to show that industry knowledge is the only difference - and that's something that can be learned more easily than some of the other aspects. In order, companies are likely to prefer hiring someone with:1. Skills and industry experience2. Skills3. Industry experienceBut a 'fresh pair of eyes' can be really powerful for a company, particularly one trying to shake up their industry, stand out from the competition, or appeal to a new audience. So focus on your skills and how your alternative industry experience is a strength 😊Good luck!

ElianaLima·Mar 11, 2023

Wow, thank you for your insights! :)

Sierra166·Mar 11, 2023

You need to make the argument that YOU are the right person for the job. That’s easier said than done of course:). It’s not necessarily about what you want but about what the employer is looking for. Do you know the area you want to work in? Maybe if this is your first job in the US, take any job and keep looking until you find the job in the new area you are looking for. It’s hard to say the reason why, but if you are talking to hiring managers it’s a good sign.You have two issues, one that you don’t have experience in the area you want to work in, and two, that you have never had a full-time job in.l the US.also if you just moved here from Brazil, what kind of visa do you have? Sometimes employers don’t want to hire people who don’t have permanent visas.

ElianaLima·Mar 11, 2023

Yes, you're right about the 2 issues! I think about that as well, and I'm not choosing what I want. At least for now. Anything will be welcome to start and I'll prove that I can do more!I'm an American citizen, and I state this information on my resume. I just don't have the experience and education here and I think that makes the whole difference. I'm already taking classes at UCSC, so I hope that can help. Thank you!

Sierra166·Mar 12, 2023

It's best to take sometime to consider the industry you want to be in , next. That way you can aim for what you really want and you can make that argument. Alternatively, if industry X is not responsive, then you can try working in an area similar to what you were working in, in the past. But since you're starting over I would focus on 1. What you care about ( so you can sound convincing to the employer ) and 2. if that doesn't give you good responses, then try the industry you have experience in and then later get a different job. Boa sorte, espero que dê tudo certo pra você! Tudo de bom!

ElizabethBoyd·Mar 11, 2023

It can seem disheartening but keep focusing on the value you add to organizations and how your skills are highly transferable between industries. Do you have an online portfolio of your work? If so, are you able to update some content that you created in healthcare/RE/construction to reflect another (ideal) industry? It sounds like you're having conversations with recruiters & hiring managers - which is good. Have they given you specific feedback on why they suggest you stay in your current industry? I made a considerable career shift in 2015 and created content for the role(s) I was going after. I am working on a pivot now from full-time, in-house roles to Fractional work. I have two portfolio sites I share with potential clients (traditional website & Notion-based). This helps them understand I can quickly assimilate into other industries with ease and support their population. (Having these resources also allows me not to have to participate in the "free work" assignments that seem to be so popular with interview processes currently). Just a thought...hope this helps a bit.

ElianaLima·Mar 11, 2023

I think you're rigth! A portfolio would help so they can picture that whatever I've done in other industries I can do in their industry. Thank you :)

rachelserwetz·Mar 14, 2023

Hi @ElianaLima, maintaining your same role and pivoting industries is a lot easier than doing the reverse, so you're in a good spot to make it happen!The key to pivoting is a) updating all your personal branding materials to be in line with keywords for your new direction (resume, professional summary, linkedin profile, cover letter, video pitch, website/portfolio) b) pursuing reputable upskilling opportunities (use networking to understand which ones are worthwhile) and highlight these on your branding materials c) having a clear understanding of your target role/path so you understand the nuances of how people actually break in, in reality d) having a deep understanding of your target roles so you can easily speak to your fit during interviews e) working with a coach, mentor, or peer to see any gaps and areas for opportunity.BTW, I’m Rachel, a Career Coach, and we’ve helped numerous professionals with pivots like these. On my profile you can find my website link, and on there, you can find a 7-step guide to making a career pivot which will have some helpful tips for you! PS, I’d be happy to discuss this further if you want to hop on a call -- check my profile for how to book time with me. I'm here to help!