Tips for Navigating Career Transitions Using Existing Expertise

Ever felt like your experience in one industry might hold you back from making a leap into another? I’ve been there—and so have many of the professionals I work with. Recently, I was helping a talented executive transition from the electric vehicle (EV) space into a new sector. At first, it seemed like a tough sell. Their network was mostly EV-focused, and every conversation circled back to the same familiar faces and companies. Here’s what made the difference: we started looking beyond the obvious. Instead of only talking to EV peers, we reached out to adjacent circles—think cleantech VC portfolios, smart city initiatives, and cross-industry events like TMC, NTEA, and ACT Expo. These are places where innovation is happening fast, and where fresh perspectives are valued. What surprised us was how many companies outside the EV bubble were hungry for proven operators who understand technology, scaling, and growth. Suddenly, what seemed like a narrow background became a real advantage. The key insight? Don’t limit yourself to your current circle. Your experience can be a differentiator in the right environment. Sometimes, it’s about showing up in the rooms where your skills are rare, not redundant. If you’re considering a transition—whether for yourself or your team—think about where your expertise could stand out, not just fit in. Have you made a leap into a new industry? I’d love to hear how you approached it. Drop a comment or like if this sparked any ideas for you. #careertransition #networking #innovation

I had coffee with someone who wondered how I could be so productive and positive after such an exhausting experience. They’ve been out of work two months before me; I understood the weariness in her typically youthful face and the sadness of her voice. I explained this is the second time in 27 years being part of a management misalignment, re-org/layoff. I remember so vividly the shock and paralysis in 2008. No one says it’s normal to feel like you’re in a haze, you’re angry, you’re hurt. It’s grief and that is normal. I gave her 4 steps that I took to recover and these 4 steps became muscle memory everytime I transitioned from one place to another thereafter. The same 4 steps will save you emotional pain when you know your compass, aka your core values, are being tested or misaligned. - first, start with your why. Why do you work? Why did you want to work there? Why this job? Why this career? - second, what. What did you bring to the team? What did they give you/or what did you learn? What would you do again? What would you do without? What are your non-negotiables? - third, assess. Spend one week assessing if you are up to speed with the market, latest trends in industry, familiar with the newest tools. Go toe to toe with the job descriptions and evaluate yourself. Then get acquainted with the stuff that is missing. Webinars, free conferences, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera + certifications. As you are applying + interviewing, keep learning and apply what you are learning to the conversations. Building your own plane and flying it at the same time; businesses do it all the time! - fourth, create your compass. What motivates you to get up and work? And what do you need to see/feel/hear to be excited about aligning your personal brand with theirs? How will you know if what they say rings true for you? What kind of environment do you need to thrive in? Then use these answers to sort through the jobs, use these answers to reframe your resume, use these answers to refine your networking skills and use these answers to interview opportunities for your career prospects. Use these answers to dissuade your negative thoughts and the people around you who might not understand your compass.

✨Recently laid off? Check out this inspiring story from my client. Job seekers navigating career transitions should consider two key strategies: Recommendations and Networking (I know, there is much more to the story; read on!). 🔻 First, update your LinkedIn profile, including exchanging recommendations with colleagues, managers, and external partners like vendors or customers. This effort yields significant benefits: • Recruiters value social proof from recommendations showcasing your leadership and communication skills. • It offers a prime networking opportunity—if approached strategically. H͟e͟r͟e͟’s͟ ͟a͟ ͟c͟a͟s͟e͟ ͟i͟n͟ ͟p͟o͟i͟n͟t͟:͟ I just finished a call with a client who had been preparing for a career change for about a year. Unexpectedly, she was laid off as part of a broader company downsizing. Fortunately, she was well-prepared and remained calm. She resumed an earlier task of requesting Zoom meetings and testimonials from her network. To her contacts’ surprise, they learned of her recent layoff. Now, she’s exploring several opportunities. Remarkably, one conversation revealed 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 (unwritten and unposted) job roles tailored to her expertise at an exciting company overseas. C͟o͟n͟s͟i͟d͟e͟r͟ ͟t͟h͟i͟s͟:͟ 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁—𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱—𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲. My client's proactive discussions have already positioned her for five potential jobs, some of which are still being defined. Next steps? We’re preparing to utilize my “write and pitch your own job description” technique when these companies express interest in crafting a role that leverages her skills to meet their needs. Isn’t that amazing? ✨ For more ideas about what to do to prepare for a layoff, here is a link to the Forbes Coaches Council article: 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝟭𝟮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: https://lnkd.in/gpGf8jXs #jobs #careers #management

The biggest career transition myth is that you have to "start over." "I can't afford to go back to entry level at 42 years old." That's what Patricia, high school English teacher, told me during our first call. Her voice tight with anxiety, she described watching job opportunities pass her by because she couldn't see how her skills translated. Three months later, she landed a learning experience designer role at a major tech company with a 30% salary increase. This is very similar to my experience too. The "starting over" fear paralyzes talented professionals. Last month alone, 6 out of 10 of my consultation calls mentioned this exact concern. You are NEVER starting over. You're pivoting with a backpack full of transferable skills that most people never learn to articulate. Another client Sarah moved from project management to product management, she didn't discard her experience. She reframed it. "Drafting project charters" became tied to "user journey mapping." "project success metrics" became "user satisfaction indicators." Companies are hiring less and less for technical skills. Now, in the age of AI, they're desperate for problem-solvers who bring fresh perspectives. Your outsider viewpoint lets you see solutions nobody else can imagine. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 "𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀" 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲. You're never climbing from the bottom of a new ladder. You're making a move with your professional maturity and learning agility intact. Most of you reading this have AT LEAST 3 years of work experience, not to mention AT LEAST 18 years of life experience. The real reason this myth persists is because our brains crave certainty. The devil we know feels safer than the unknown, even when the unknown holds vastly more potential. Try this today: List 5 projects you're proud of. For each one, identify the skills you used that have nothing to do with your specific industry. Those are your transferable superpowers. Ready to gain even more clarity? Check out my new book, The 30-Day Career Reboot available for pre-order on Amazon. Link in comments. :) #careers #careerchange #creativity #innovation #careeralchemy

Here’s how I helped a client transition from a dead-end, soul-crushing public sector job to a Director of HR in the private sector with a 40% raise: 🔹CLARIFY  → The skills she wanted to use → The problems she wanted to solve → The culture she wanted to work in 🔹VALIDATE → Research companies  → Have conversations with people who made similar transitions 🔹UPDATE → Translate work experience and accomplishments to be relatable and relevant to the target role → Resume, LinkedIn, Talking points, Interview skills 🔹EXECUTE → Network with people at target companies → Apply to target roles → Ace interviews Career transition is not hard if you remember to do more than just apply for jobs. ♻️ Repost this if you think it will help someone #CareerNext #careerevolution #careerchange #Next20 PS - She’s been in her new role for more than a year and killing it. She’s never been happier at work. 

Embracing a new career path after 45 might seem daunting, but it's never too late to embark on a fresh journey. Whether you're seeking fulfillment, growth, or a new challenge, these tips will guide you through the process of reinventing yourself professionally. 1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, passions, and values. Identify transferrable skills from your past roles that align with your new career direction. 2. Skill Upgrade: Invest in learning. Take courses, attend workshops, and earn certifications to bridge the gap between your current skills and the requirements of your desired role. 3. Network Power: Leverage your network. Connect with professionals in your target field, attend industry events, and engage in conversations that showcase your genuine interest. 4. Resume Revamp: Craft a tailored resume. Emphasize your transferable skills, highlight relevant accomplishments, and focus on your adaptability and willingness to learn. 5. Volunteer or Intern: Gain experience in your desired field through volunteering or interning. Practical exposure can help you understand the industry better and add value to your resume. 6. Personal Branding: Create a strong online presence. Use LinkedIn to showcase your journey, share insights, and connect with industry professionals. 7. Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your new field for informational interviews. Learn about the industry from insiders and gather valuable insights. 8. Embrace Flexibility: Be open to entry-level positions. Starting from the ground up can provide you with the hands-on experience you need to thrive. 9. Interview Prep: Prepare for interviews by focusing on how your skills and experience align with the role. Highlight your adaptability and eagerness to contribute. 10. Confidence Matters: Believe in yourself. Your wealth of experience and skills are assets. Show your potential employers that you're a valuable addition to their team. Remember, a career change at any age is an opportunity for growth and reinvention. Embrace the journey with enthusiasm and tenacity. Your wealth of life experience can be your greatest advantage on this new path. Have you successfully navigated a career change? Share your story and inspire others!

🚀 Embracing AI is not just enhancing your current role, but it can transform your next job While many discuss the immediate benefits of incorporating AI into existing jobs, let's explore how it paves the way for groundbreaking career transitions. 🏗️ From Civil Engineer to AI-Integrated Infrastructure Planner: Civil engineers using AI for structural analysis can become AI-Integrated Infrastructure Planners, designing future cities and structures with AI-augmented planning tools. 🎨 From Artist to Generative AI Agency Founder: As an artist, dive into AI image and text generation. This can be your stepping stone to launching a generative AI agency, pioneering in AI-powered art, music, and content creation. 📚 From Teacher to Personalized Learning Consultant: Teachers, use AI analytics for tailored student instruction. Your next leap? Become a consultant, guiding schools in adopting AI-driven personalized learning systems. 💻 From Data Analyst to MLOps Engineer: Data analysts, harness ML pipelines for data management and model deployment. Transition into MLOps, optimizing machine learning operations and workflows. 🤖 From Sales to Conversational AI Designer: Incorporating AI chatbots in sales? Use this experience to venture into designing advanced AI conversational interfaces. Why not start with a custom GPT model? 🔍 From HR to AI Recruitment Strategist: HR professionals, integrate AI in talent acquisition and employee engagement. Next, become a strategist in AI-enhanced recruitment, shaping the future of workforce management. 🏥 From Healthcare to AI Health Advisor: Healthcare workers using AI for patient care can transition to AI Health Advisors, guiding medical institutions in implementing AI for enhanced patient outcomes. 🔬 From Research Scientist to AI-Driven Drug Discovery Specialist: Research scientists involved in pharmaceuticals or biotech can leverage AI for faster, more accurate drug discovery. The next step? Become a specialist in AI-driven drug discovery, accelerating the development of life-saving medications. 🔑 The Key to Transition: Start small. Integrate AI as a tool to enhance your current role. Train models using no code tools, create with generative AI, or streamline processes. Hands-on AI experience broadens your capabilities, preparing you for the next career leap, and it will help you figure out where you want to go next. 💡 Takeaway: The key is finding small ways to sprinkle in AI as a tool that boosts your current role. Whether it's building ML models, using generative AI content, or streamlining workflows, hands-on AI experience can expand your capabilities. And that makes you more adaptable for whatever the next step in your career might be, especially as AI transforms more industries. So look for little ways to incorporate AI into your daily work - it could help unlock your next move. ------------------------------------ Follow Marily Nika, Ph.D for insights & Education on AI & Product Management

Today is the first Monday of the month and my inbox has been FLOODED with messages from educators asking about how they can leave education by Winter/ Christmas Break. This is my #1 piece of advice... Make a plan. Whatever that looks like for you. Keep in mind, on average the teacher transition process takes about 3-6 months. These are the 4 basic steps and questions you should be asking yourself. You should be able to fully articulate the answers to the questions in Steps 1 and 2 before ever applying for a job. Step 1: Career Clarity What do I want my life after education to look like? What are the things I enjoy doing in my current role? What are the things I do not enjoy in my current role? What are my strongest transferable skills? What are my workplace values? Step 2: Career Confidence What companies share my values? What companies need the skills I have? How am I uniquely qualified to solve problems? Who benefits when I solve those problems? How does solving these problems generate revenue for employers? Why should X employer hire me? Step 3: Transition Preparation Have I identified my target audience for this job search? Have I identified my strongest transferable skills? Do I know how to "sell" that skillset to employers? Should I hold informational interviews? Is my resume up to date? Do I need a cover letter? If so, is it up to date? Do I need a portfolio? How is my LinkedIn profile looking? Do I need to make changes to have it align with my target audience? Step 4: The Teacher Transition When and where am I going to be applying for jobs? When and where will I be holding interviews? How do I prepare for these interviews? What is my networking strategy? What is my follow up strategy? Do I know how to negotiate my salary? Step 5: Transition Completion What does short-term and long-term career growth look like after this? How do I combat Imposter Syndrome? Do I need a mentor? #Networking #JobSearch #JobSeekers #LinkedIn #Jobs #transitioningteachers #careertransition #interviewing #interviewtips #resumehelp #edxit #teachers #edtech #resumewriter

Many of us come to the conclusion that the career we began with isn’t the career with which we want to end. Or even have in the middle of our working lives. Which means we start thinking about making a career change. They aren’t easy: most employees aren’t very good at making the leap from one career that’s actually related to the career to which we want to change, such as from marketing to product management, for example. It's even harder if you decide to move from – as an extreme example – cosmetologist to administrative assistant. But hard doesn’t mean impossible. So rather than focusing on the skills you’ve made over the years, it’s best to focus on your attitude and willingness to learn new things-quickly! Some tips for you to help you convince a hiring manager in an industry in which you have little to no experience that you have the attitude and attributes to make the switch. (Also understand that you more than likely will need to start in our new career at one or even two “levels” lower than at which you’re currently working-Again, it doesn’t mean you absolutely cannot move into a similar level; it means you should be prepared to move to a lower one…with lower pay.) · Study the new field deeply. Research it for several months. Talk to as many people as you know who work in it to discover what it’s like and how your current skills could transfer. · Make sure you understand the challenges people in the field face and how your background makes you a good fit to handle them. · Understand the skills you’ll need and either start gaining them now and/or start thinking how your current skills could transfer. (And then start figuring out how you’ll explain to a hiring manager how your current skills will transfer.) · Network, network and network some more. Reach out to people you know on LinkedIn and then reach out to the people THEY know on LinkedIn. · Attend industry events. · Reach out to people you admire and ask for informational interviews. · Revamp your cover letter and resume. Take the knowledge you’ve gained from people who work in the sector now and highlight how your skills and experience transfer to the industry to which you want to move. · Your cover letter should pretty much start out by explaining how you’re looking to change careers. Don’t be shy about this. Finally, understand that it will take you longer to find a job in a different career. That’s why I HIGHLY recommend that you keep your current position until you have a new one. #CareerChange #JobSearch ##JobSearchAdvice

Don't dismiss your experience; it's invaluable. We frequently chase fresh, exciting opportunities while undervaluing our existing skills. There's no necessity to begin from scratch. Instead, leverage your expertise and prior experiences to assist those who are currently where you once were. The issue lies in not recognizing your worth and underestimating your potential. Before you succumb to the allure of the next big thing, consider these steps: - Conduct a thorough audit of your skills and experiences. - Draw connections to identify transferable skills and the outcomes they yield. - Spell out how your knowledge can be shared to guide others, identifying who is willing to invest in this. Your unique expertise and approach are sought after by many who find themselves in positions you've already navigated. Don't undervalue yourself. You may overlook a goldmine of opportunity within your own experiences.