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What is the best way to build a strong network when crossing over from another field?

Veteran

Ivonne Castillo Fuquay Varina, NC

I would love to be around people that can fill me with knowledge and be available to tell me what I am doing wrong when pertaining to the approach to this new career.

5 December 2019 12 replies Networking

Answers

Advisor

Christine Kuffel Westchester, IL

Thank you for your service Ivonne.
I would say it helps to join professional organizations, attend conferences/workshops, and take some professional development classes related to your new field.

Advisor

Jeff Martin Ashburn, VA

I’d suggest that you network at the target company or industry. Use LinkedIn to find people already working there and reach out to them. Ask them the process they used to get hired and ask them to help you navigate the hiring process and if they are willing, ask them to submit you as a referral. These activities require much more time on your part but in my opinion would greatly increase your chances for success.

This book might have some ideas that could help you too - Networking for people who hate networking, by Devora Zack. It has some very practical advice and techniques. Good luck!

Advisor

Arnie Scott Stratham, NH

Check out Jobcase.com

Advisor

Will Lukang Wyckoff, NJ

Linkedin is a good platform to connect with people who work on the different field that you're interested in. Once you're on, you can send a message and ask for opportunity to connect and learn more about the industry. I also suggest joining a local Toastmasters, because that allow you to do two thinking, meet new people and practice your presentation skills which can come in handy.

Thank you for your service. Have a good day!

Advisor

Gene Nokes Dublin, CA

Ivonne,
I understand your desire completely. A job search is hard to do alone. Building a core team to advise you is a good idea. I suggest you join a job search group at a local church or One Stop Career Center in the area where you want to live. You can meet and discuss your job search issues openly in a safe environment. Toastmasters is also a great place to meet people well connected and willing to help others. It will be hard for anyone to provide advice if you are not clear about your career choice and why. A church group in Danville, CA at St. Isadore Networking Group (SING) developed a one page marketing plan to help job seekers articulate their strategy, so others in the group could help them out, see https://www.f6s.com/st.isidorenetworkinggroupsing

Advisor

Douglas Lavelle Chatham, NJ

Thank you for your service. All of the previous responses are very good. I would suggest to create or enhance your LinkedIn Profile. That platform can be used for systematic networking and collaboration. Many times your existing contacts have diverse backgrounds and connections. It can be quite powerful when all of those forces intersect. Please let me know if you need any help with LinkedIn.

Veteran

Ben Shaw Charlottesville, VA

Also, try looking for commonalities between your current field and a future one, use those to bridge into networking in that new field. Our differently, you are really interested in Field A field but are coming from Field B. Find areas where A and B overlap to appropriately shoehorn into networking in Field B. Then follow the thread.

Advisor

Robert C Lawrenceville, GA

Ivonne: Hands down the best way to build a network is to search out the professional associations that may govern your chosen career field. Such associations have thousands of people with similar interests to yours. Such people will fall all over themselves to input their knowledge into a newbie who wants to learn. Industry associations also provide all sorts of grants and scholarships for those who want to learn. A newbie to an association who shows a general interest in the career field and has a pleasant demeanor will certainly walk out of the initial meeting with lots of business cards from those looking to hire. Don't forget that they need you. Walk in excited at all the opportunities that will present themselves.

Advisor

Bob Molluro Wilmington, DE

. If you already have a position and want to learn a fool proof way to get promoted watch this.
https://www.ted.com/talks/carla_harris_how_to_find_the_person_who_can_help_you_get_ahead_at_work
This is a thirteen- minute presentation on some of the best guidance you will ever receive. It explains the differences between a Mentor and a Sponsor and why you need both. It explains how to select a Sponsor and get them to support you for a higher-level position. I wish I followed this information about forty years ago. Watch it once and if you are exited about the possibilities, watch it again and build your plan on how you will implement what you have learned. Feel free to share it with people you care about and have a need to know.

Advisor

Bob Molluro Wilmington, DE

. If you already have a position and want to learn a fool proof way to get promoted watch this.
https://www.ted.com/talks/carla_harris_how_to_find_the_person_who_can_help_you_get_ahead_at_work
This is a thirteen- minute presentation on some of the best guidance you will ever receive. It explains the differences between a Mentor and a Sponsor and why you need both. It explains how to select a Sponsor and get them to support you for a higher-level position. I wish I followed this information about forty years ago. Watch it once and if you are exited about the possibilities, watch it again and build your plan on how you will implement what you have learned. Feel free to share it with people you care about and have a need to know.

Advisor

Henry ("Dr. Hank") Stevens Fort Lauderdale, FL

"Informational interviews" are a great way to learn and network. Identify a senior leader or two in the in the field of your desire, and ask for an informational interview. I have found many executives to be quite generous with their time.

Advisor

Ed Jasper Salem, VA

Ivonne,
Great Question!
When changing careers or field, there are a few areas I would try to focus on.
First, build your network in the the new field. Are there organizations you can join that are in the field you want to move into? If so, seek them out, and become an active member. Attend the events, training, and social outings if they have them. Making contacts and expanding your network is the key.

Second, Do you have the right professional certifications to work in the new field? If not, which ones can you pursue to make yourself more employable in the new field.

Finally, Is your resume appropriately crafted to show the skills you need for the new field? If you are not sure, get someone to help you review it and hopefully that is someone that works in that field. There are many advisers on ACP that are willing and able to do that with you.

Good luck on your journey - Ed

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