Career Industry Shifting Guide
for getting a Job Unrelated to Your Degree

Awesome! you’ve figured out your career. But you’ve spent four years getting a degree on another industry…

By Emmanuel Perez, a.k.a the Talent Surgeon.

The Talent Surgeon is a contributor ghostwriter for People Place, among other well-known HR digital magazines. The Talent Surgeon gets diagnostics directly related to our day-to-day lives and he surely delivers the right antidote right in time over and over.

Awesome! you’ve figured out your career, but you’ve spent four years getting a degree in another industry…

If you’re among the many individuals who have earned a degree only to realize that the field isn’t quite what you expected or wanted, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in a similar situation, seeking a job unrelated to their degree. The good news is that it’s possible to successfully pivot your career and find fulfilling work in a new field.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of getting a job unrelated to your degree, offering expert advice and helpful strategies to make your transition as smooth as possible. Let’s get to the star line!

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

Identify Transferable Skills

The first step in pivoting your career is to identify your transferable skills. These are skills that can be adapted and used in various industries and job roles. For example, effective communication, project management, and problem-solving are all valuable skills that can be applied across different fields. Make a list of your skills and consider how they might be useful in your target industry.

Discover Your Interests and Passions

Next, take some time to reflect on your interests and passions. What do you genuinely enjoy doing, and what kind of work environment would make you feel fulfilled? Understanding your preferences and goals will help you identify potential career paths that align with your values, making it more likely that you’ll find a job you truly enjoy.

2. Research and Choose a New Career Path

Explore Different Industries

With your list of transferable skills, interests, and passions in hand, begin researching different industries and career paths. Investigate job titles, roles, and responsibilities to identify potential matches for your skill set and values. Take note of any industries or positions that genuinely pique your interest.

Conduct Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are an excellent way to learn more about a specific career path or industry. Reach out to professionals in your desired field and ask if they’d be willing to discuss their experiences with you. Prepare thoughtful questions and listen actively to gain insights into the day-to-day realities of their work and the skills required for success in the field.

3. Enhance Your Skills and Education

Pursue Relevant Certifications or Training

Depending on the career path you choose, you may need to acquire additional certifications or training to become a competitive candidate. Research the required qualifications for your desired role and consider pursuing these credentials to demonstrate your commitment to the new field.

Leverage Online Courses and Workshops

Online courses and workshops are an accessible and affordable way to build new skills and knowledge relevant to your target industry. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses that can help you enhance your skillset and improve your marketability to potential employers.

4. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Tailor Your Resume for the New Industry

When applying for jobs unrelated to your degree, it’s crucial to craft a targeted resume that highlights your transferable skills and relevant experience. Focus on your accomplishments and how they demonstrate your ability to excel in the new role. Use keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is a valuable tool for showcasing your skills and networking with professionals in your desired industry. Update your headline, summary, and work experience to reflect your new career goals. Be sure to include relevant keywords and tailor your profile to your target industry.

5. Network in Your Target Industry

Leverage Your Existing Network

Networking is crucial when transitioning to a new industry. Start by connecting with your existing network, including friends, family, and former colleagues. Let them know about your career change and ask if they have any contacts in your target industry who might be willing to offer advice or job leads.

Join Industry-Specific Groups and Associations

Participate in industry-specific groups and associations to expand your network and gain insights into your target field. Attend events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals and stay informed about industry trends and job opportunities.

6. Gain Relevant Experience

Pursue Internships or Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re struggling to break into a new industry due to a lack of relevant experience, consider pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities. These experiences can help you build your resume, gain practical skills, and demonstrate your commitment to the new field.

Freelance or Work on Personal Projects

Freelancing or working on personal projects is another way to gain experience and showcase your skills in your desired field. For example, if you’re transitioning to a career in graphic design, create a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

7. Prepare for Interviews in Your New Field

Research Industry-Specific Interview Questions

Prepare for interviews by researching common questions specific to your target industry. Familiarize yourself with the terminology and trends in your new field to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to potential employers.

Develop Your Personal Story and Elevator Pitch

When interviewing for jobs unrelated to your degree, you’ll likely need to explain your career transition to potential employers. Develop a compelling personal story and elevator pitch that highlights your transferable skills, interests, and goals, and how they align with the new industry.

8. Stay Persistent and Resilient

Embrace Rejection as a Learning Opportunity

Transitioning to a new industry can be challenging, and you may face rejection along the way. Remember to stay persistent and resilient, treating each rejection as a learning opportunity to refine your approach and improve your chances of success in the future.

Seek Support from Friends, Family, and Mentors

A strong support network can be invaluable during your career transition. Seek guidance and encouragement from friends, family, and mentors who can offer advice, motivation, and resources to help you navigate the challenges of changing industries.

9. Reflect and Adjust Your Strategy as Needed

Evaluate Your Progress and Set Goals

As you work towards your new career, periodically evaluate your progress and set goals to stay focused and motivated. Reflect on your accomplishments and setbacks, adjusting your strategy as needed to improve your chances of success.

Stay Open to New Opportunities

Finally, remember to stay open to new opportunities as you navigate your career transition. You may discover new interests, skills, or job prospects that you hadn’t considered before, so be prepared to adapt and seize these opportunities as they arise.

In conclusion, successfully transitioning to a job unrelated to your degree requires self-assessment, research, skill development, networking, and persistence. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding a fulfilling and rewarding career outside your degree sector.

Why not starting today by reaching out to us with a brief and short message? book a  free One to One consultation for a casual chat, it will be your first step to making big things happen!