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What is the best strategy when transitioning and working through a career change?

Veteran

David Hungler Burlingame, CA

After working in security and investigations, for many years, I thought transitioning to a similar position in the private sector would not be the challenge as it has been.

13 November 2020 6 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Kelly Kennerly Apex, NC

I don't have exactly the same example, but I've found that when moving to a new role I go to the "worker bees" and ask about how they do their jobs. What is their biggest pain point or task that they feel is a time waster/unnecessary and why? If the person could change the role and make it perfect, what would they do? How would they make sure it would work and mitigate risks? Sometimes hearing about what's wrong today helps to get an inside idea of how the tasks are being managed currently by each individuals personality coupled with how you view their ideas. It may give you an inside look as to how they all manage their tasks today and also give you possible ways to improve based on your past experience. Most people enjoy helping new co-workers so I can't imagine anyone would refuse your request to explain how they do things today and would probably welcome your experience of how it was done on the other side too. Hope this helps, good luck and congratulations on your new role.

13 November 2020 Helpful answer

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. Good luck!

Advisor

Patrice Scully Mahwah, NJ

Hi David,
Thank you for your service. When I transitioned in Artificial Intelligence there was a lot to learn because it was so new to me. I found this a bit overwhelming at time. I reached out to one of the more experienced architects and set up occasional conference calls to get some questions answered. I came with a specific list of questions so I didn't waste his time. It helped me learn more quickly and showed him I was very interested and diligent. It help me a lot.
One other thing to remember. IBM's former CEO and current Executive Chairman Ginni Rometty always says "Growth and comfort do no coexist." This is very true when you are transitioning. I try to remember that when I go into a new job and find it helpful to remember this!

Advisor

Tim Olson Port Orchard, WA

Hi David, I think you'd enjoy and find very helpful the book Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Burnett and Evans. I've given this book to my kids and used it with my mentees to help them apply proven design techniques (the approach is called Design Thinking - the problem solving methodology IBM uses) to their own lives. And everyone to whom I've given or recommended it has really enjoyed it and found it helpful. The authors teach a very popular course at Standard on the same topic - helping students identify what they want to do with their lives. The book is very well written - very interesting, full of example stories, and very concrete exercises that progressively build on each other as you 'design' your life.

Veteran

Daniel King Andover, MA

Hi David, the transition process is a climb and it is not easy. There are tons of unknowns and a lot of questions about why it is not easier. When I was transitioning I actually had a retired flag officer tell me that I would never be able to get a commercial position and that I should just stick with defense contractors. Needless to say, he was really wrong and I am glad that I did not take that advice. The hardest part of transitioning for most who have been in a while is deciding what you want... It's not as easy as it sounds. The best advice I received was from a person who said: Decide what you want to do, where you want to do it and how much you want to get paid for it. Many people - and I mean most - only get one of those in a lifetime of work. If you get two, you're doing really well and if you get all three, you are doing something special. In my case with IBM, I did find all three so my point is that you have to keep climbing and really swing for the fence. The skills that made you successful in the military are the same that make you valuable out of uniform and they have nothing to do with rank or how many awards you have. your intellect, experience, leadership and commitment are the most powerful tools you have and that is a sellable commodity.

Advisor

Gusanita Roberson Mableton, GA

Hi Dave, I agree with Kelly, I've found when moving to a new role or looking to transition to a new role, I find people who are in the role or similar and begin conversations with them. I also suggest research associations and professional groups in your field to help build your network of contacts in the field you are pursuing. Hope this helps and all the best.

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