Now What?® Coaching

from Laura Berman Fortgang

Laura Berman Fortgang

Now What? Q &A: Resume when changing fields

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Intro:

Today’s question came from a caller from Alabama during a recent Community Call and is answered by: Laura Berman Fortgang.  

Question:

For a person who is totally changing fields and going to school for the new field, how do you recommend changing your resume so you can begin working in your new career even though you don’t have experience yet?  For example, I’m going to school for computer networking but have done different work up to now.

Answer:

Resumes are indeed an art and while you certainly do not want to lie, it is perfectly fine to play up different areas even though it may be a bit of a stretch.  So, in your case, you might look back over your work history and note where you did anything with computers at various jobs you’ve held.  You can emphasize your past experience in a different way.  For example, say you worked in retail but used the computer for inventory days and were in charge of maintaining weekly reports on-line.  Since it wasn’t the primary responsibility of your job, you might not immediately think to mention it, however now that you want to highlight your computer expertise, you could also mention that you were in charge of electronic data collection.  It’s important to remain truthful and the point is to direct the person reading your resume to what you want to do now.  We know of one individual who obtained a job that was triple his former pay after sprucing up his resume and re-finessing his job title from Librarian to Information Management Specialist. 

As you update your resume, make sure it demonstrates the level of professionalism that has followed you throughout your career.  Also, anything you can do in your new field right now while you’re studying —even if it’s non-paid— will show experience.

When It’s a Dream That Won’t Go Away

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It was too serious, back-to-back car accidents  that caused Neda DeMayo to ask herself “What if I won the lotto… What if I had all the money I ever needed – what would I do with my life?”  Posing that question resulted in Neda’s decision to leave her career as a costume designer and wardrobe stylist and create Return to Freedom, a non-profit that provides safe haven for relocated wild horses and burros.  Protecting horses was a long-deferred dream from Neda’s childhood.  Once she decided to pursue her goal, Neda conducted three years of research and planning, as well as “plenty of second-guessing”.  Once the sanctuary was operational, Neda encountered various challenges and even prayed that the desire be taken away from her.  “But my passion drove me forward.”  

Now, 13 years later, she encourages others to “just get started” with their unfulfilled goals.  “I think when it’s a dream that won’t go away, you owe it to yourself to pursue it and be committed.”  She says: “As challenging as it is – and it’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever had – it’s the most rewarding experience of my life.” 

 “Finding Sanctuary: From Stylist to Wildlife Preservationist.”

Now What? Q &A: Transition, how long?

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Today’s question is one we’re often asked and is answered by: Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor.

Question:

How long does it usually take for someone to transition to a new career?

Answer:

Once you have identified the new direction in which you’d like to take your career, the transition may take anywhere from six months to a few years, depending on your specific situation and how big of a change you’re making.  The typical experience is probably in the 6-24 month range.  If you’re the type of person who takes a long-term view and is, for example, planning to retire from one career and begin another, then you might create a 3-5 year plan.  More often, though, once you’ve identified your new direction, momentum will build on its own and change may very well happen sooner than expected.  So, the answer is that it’s shorter for some and longer for others.  Some people take more gradual steps and others take big leaps.  Often, an interim move may be the bridge.  One thing is for certain:  Once you commit to a new direction, create a plan, and start taking consistent action, change happens.