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How do I change career fields with very little experience

Veteran

Teresa Brown North Little Rock, AR

I have a communications degree in television and film but my experience is in mortgage. I want to get into a communications field.

30 August 2016 8 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Roger Bhalla Houston, TX

Teresa, my advice is more general about changing career paths - new industries, roles, companies, etc. as my experience is not in communications specifically. My advice is to understand the skills that you have already that are what have made you successful in the past - for instance, perhaps ability to do research, analyze situations, and communicate clearly with clients that you've used in your mortgage work. Then consider how those same skills may be valuable in the broadcasting world. For instance, if you want to be an onscreen reporter, I'd expect your ability to gather data to understand the situation, and organize it into a compelling story, and then share it convincingly would be important. For instance, Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer aren't on TV as "just another pretty face that can report the news". They are highly intelligent, well informed professionals that can understand complex issues and understand what questions to ask. Then you need to orient your resume to highlight those transferrable skills so that they are apparent to prospective hiring managers.

31 August 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jeanne Perdue Houston, TX

Dear Teresa;
Although you have a communications degree, you need some experience doing that before a good company will hire you. Fortunately, you can get such experience by volunteering for a good charity. Take whatever equipment you may have (video recorder, smartphone) and capture some excellent sound and video for a local charity, and post it on YouTube. You can then use that link as part of your communications portfolio when applying for a communications job. Plus, it helps the charity, and the folks there can give you a good recommendation letter or endorse your communications skills on LinkedIn.
Love, Jeanne

Advisor

Deborah Meyer Columbus, OH

Teresa, Have you targeted those companies where you would like to work? If so, perhaps they may have openings where you may use some of your current work experience to begin working in the Telecommunications industry. (Positions in Finance, customer service etc.) From there you can transition into the type of role you desire. (Although timing can sometimes be everything - don't get discouraged.)

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

Your not MIcrophone shy. Use that to your advantage. Try spokesperson: City Government, Police Department, Airport, AR National Guard. Good income on this job with government pension and health insurance. Try direct spot sales in Radio, TV or Cable. These jobs pay well. You can spend a day a week, golfing with New Car Dealers, in this job. They may have you do your own voice overs on spots. Contact me direct for more info.

Advisor

Tom Murray The Vill, FL

Teresa-This is not really my bailiwick, however, I do have a cousin that had a similar problem. She ended up in NY as a producer for CBS News. In order to get the experience necessary to be consider in the business she had to take a no pay intern job with a local TV station. This resulted in another paying offer in a bigger market and ultimately led her to the dream job in NY. This answer is probably not what you want to hear but, if you can afford it it is a possible path. These jobs have many applicants with all the educational degrees.

Advisor

Tatiana Stead Springfield, VA

Hi there Teresa,

My background in the military was as a public affairs officer - working with the media, working in broadcasting and actively engaged in public relations. I'm currently working in public relations and corporate communications which includes all aspects of media/social media engagement. As you continue to think through your specific area of interest, you might want to consider reaching out to various non-profit organizations and volunteering with their public affairs/marketing team. Great way to learn the craft "up close and personal" and learn directly from those actively engaged. Choosing an organization that is also aligned with your personal passion will make it even more meaningful. This will also help you connect with practicing professionals and start to network and potentially lead you to learning about internships or entry roles. If you're still connected with your reserve unit, you might want to tag in with your public affairs office and offer yourself as a volunteer and extra set of hands to again learn while being in the action of what they're doing....

Another thought would be to research job roles and positions available in the areas you're interested in (Public Affairs, marketing, media relations, etc) and see what type of skills or requirements are listed - especially for any entry level positions - and work backwards from there in acquiring those skills -- either formal through school, courses, certifications or through internships, volunteering, etc. As you know, the internet is an amazing research tool and there are tons of PR resources and communities available which could also give you insight into the type of skills you might need to be successful in your chosen career field.

Hope this helps... Stay motivated and good luck!

Veteran

Teresa Brown North Little Rock, AR

Hi Tammy.
I am most interested in broadcasting. I have a little experience in radio and television broadcasting. I have worked as a radio announcer and a master control operator for a christian television station, however I am open to marketing or public relations.

Thanks,
Teresa

Advisor

Tammy Johnson Leesburg, VA

Hi, Teresa -- Thank you for your service in the Army. Can you tell me a little more? What part of the communications field are you most interested -- marketing, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, etc? I'd be interested in knowing.

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