In hopes of inspiring others who are contemplating a change in their own professional lives, here is another story for y'all. Betsy is a former coaching client who has changed careers twice, and shows that you CAN come home again...it just looks different when you arrive.
As many of us know, when you leave a profession to try something different in your career, it’s often hard to find a road back many years later. Technologies change, people move on, and companies aren’t always open to hiring those who have gaps in their relevant history. Betsy proves that you can return and rock that return! She started out in training development, then moved to construction for eight years, and after a lot of hard work, found her way back to the field, this time focusing on e-Learning and instructional design. Here’s what she had to say…
What do you do for a living these days?
I’m an eLearning Developer with an organization working with schools, districts, and communities across the country on comprehensive, research-based solutions to the challenges they face.
What career were you in before this?
I have a background in technical training; however, I had spent the past 8 years as the managing owner of a remodeling company that specializes in vintage homes. Additionally, I have a lengthy work history in film & video industry.
What inspired you to make this transition?
I always wanted to return to learning development, and was sparked by the new tools and technologies available to create meaningful learning experiences that matter.
What were your biggest challenges in changing careers?
The biggest challenge I faced was how to package my wide skillset into a concise, marketable format. Beyond that, I hadn’t written a resume or participated in the interview process for years, and needed to expand my network in the direction I envisioned for my career.
What advice can you share with others thinking about moving into a new line of work?
Follow your heart and go for it! Take time to look at what skills you have to offer, and hire a coach to help you get started on the right foot. Also, build up a solid LinkedIn profile and don’t be shy about asking for recommendations. Attend networking events and schedule brief informational interviews with a range of people. You never know when you’ll connect with the right person at the right time!
Comments