Changing Industries

>> So you're ready to jump into a new industry. I'm sure you've thought long and hard about it, and that's recommended. And I'm sure you have your reasons. So here are three tips to help make it a successful transition. [ Music ] Number one, take an inventory of the transferrable skills that you have. Know what those skills are and how they can be applied to your new industry. For instance, if you sold cars in the automobile industry, how could that help you sell or market insurance products in the insurance industry? Take those skills and think of them as a packaged product that you can unveil in your interview. Number two, learn the language. You need to do your homework and learn the industry inside and out. You can do this by speaking with insiders in the field, reading trade journals, or listening to podcasts and webinars. Whatever you do, learning the lingo and the current circumstances of the industry will help you land a job and hit the ground running. And this is exactly what employers will need to see from an industry changer -- that you're capable of contributing right away with minimal training required. Number three, expand your network. If you've been in one industry for a number of years, you probably have a network of similar professionals. Now, it's important to build that network outside of that industry. That will help you improve your prospects of landing a job and also learning the business. You can do this by setting up informational interviews or joining professional groups and attending industry events. Changing industries can be scary, but people do it all the time. If you know yourself and you're willing to do the work, you can absolutely find success in a new industry. [ Music ]