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Is it possible to transition to finance from a science/construction background without starting over at the bottom?

Veteran

Jacqueline Gordon Renton, WA

After separating from the USAF, I had attempted to work in my specialty as a civilian. I had even paid for specialty-related training (i.e. OSHA-30, HAZWOPER-40 and others) out of my pocket to be job-ready. As projects stopped, I lost work. After a large-scale tunnel-boring project in Seattle stopped in 2013, I could no longer afford to continue in that line of work, so I changed directions.

I am trying to create a foundation in finance. During work stoppages in construction, I had worked in short-term temporary assignments, (which don't present well on my resume because it appears I cannot hold down a job, but that's another story). I also took advantage of halted projects to complete my MBA.

I am seeking advice and/or mentoring from someone on how to get started in finance. I am attracted to financial analysis or financial literacy education. Thank you for your time.

8 September 2015 5 replies Mentoring

Answers

Advisor

Kit Lancaster Chicago, IL

Finance is a big field. Could you be more specific? Life style, typical work day, pay requirements, personal financial passion in finance? If you have time for a call later this week perhaps I could give you some ideas and professional introductions to aid your prospective and compliment your Search. First, I need more details.

Thank You
Kit

9 September 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Walt Overfield Virginia Beach, VA

Jacqueline,
Consider looking for a financial analyst position with a construction company. Every large community has lots of construction companies in all forms of construction: residential, commercial, industrial, government, educational, infrastructure and so forth. Your unique skills and experience should make you an excellent candidate. Even if you start near the bottom, you should be able to quickly move up the ladder.
My favorite way to look for work is by networking with professionals. Google "Financial Analyst Professional Associations" and see if there is a professional association in your community that sounds right to you. Attend local meetings, meet everyone you can, conduct informational interviews, take advantage of advertised job leads, and use all of your networking skills to find a great job for you.
Regarding the temp jobs, I would think most potential employers would recognize that you want to work rather than staying unemployed and regard your experience as a big plus.
Good Luck,
Walt

8 September 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Heather Gillbanks Houston, TX

On your resume - perhaps instead of going chronologically, consider going by Experience type. That would mask the stop-and-starts.

Or, show the two types of role concurrently/ overlapping in time (don't show each stop & start).

On my resume, for example, since I was "bought and sold" 5 times within a 2 year period, but my actual role did not change, I show the role, rather than the "employer".

Be a little creative in how you present it, although you do need to be truthful.

8 September 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Heather Gillbanks Houston, TX

I strongly recommend against starting as admin at a large company. In my experience, it takes decades for people who start as admins to become anything else (and many do have MBAs). Once an admin, always an admin.

Many large companies have Finance training programs, which might be a more fruitful path. This would then allow you to check out the various sub-specialties that company at least offers. Once you "graduate" from the program, they typically have a handful of roles from which you can choose (depends what is open at that time, and where, of course). Most such programs are targeted at new graduates, but some will take older applicants.

I agree with Mr. Green that the term "finance" is very broad ... you may wish to post a little more detail so others can give more targeted answers.

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Hi Jacqueline,

Congratulations on your MBA. Wish you best success on your new direction. 'Finance' is a very broad term, perhaps you can be more specific. Tax season is coming up, and you can work for one of the tax preparation companies if you need a job immediately.

Having short-term jobs on your resume is only a problem if you have no explanation. You present a good explanation in your question, so I wouldn't worry about that too much.

Joining a mortgage broker firm is always a good option which requires the skills you offer. In this role, you need to be detail oriented and a people person. These firms are numerous and many of them support remote telework.

Another option may be administrative assistant to a corporate executive. This allows you to get started in a big company which you can later transition into the accounting role. Larger companies have greater need for your skillset rather than smaller companies, and becoming an administrative assistant will put you in a position to learn who is who.

You can also sign up for freelance work on upwork.com , mturk.com , and others.

Hope these suggestions help.
JG

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