Topics: Career change · All topics

Career advice: Positioning Yourself For a Career Switch

MelissaKuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I've been employed at a business-consulting firm as a strategist, organizer and programmer manager for just over two years, but I'm not passionate about my job. My educational background includes a master's degree in management and strategic-information systems and a bachelor's degree in law.

After speaking with friends who work in advertising and event management, I feel that either of those fields may be more suitable for me. I'm also considering communications as a career move.

How do I position my candidacy for a position that I have no direct experience in? I'm willing to start over and approach my new career like a recent college graduate, but I wouldn't feel comfortable taking a reduction in salary.

Frances's advice

You need to determine what kind of tasks and work environments are best for you. Focus on the skills you have and the ones you enjoy using most, but be sure to talk to your friends first. Advertising and event management may be appropriate fields for you, but learn whether you'll be able to apply your skills to specific jobs in these areas.

The next step is to show potential employers that you've already mastered the skills necessary for the job. Identify your talents in areas other than work such as education, hobbies and other activities to prove that you have experience in solving the same kinds of problems you'd be dealing with in the desired position. If necessary, offer your services on a consulting or short-term project basis since you've already proven you can work in that manner. Then persuade the employer to agree to convert you to a full-time employee if your work is satisfactory. This also will allow you to sample the new career to see if it suits you after all.

Topics: Career change · All topics