Career Switch: Describe your experience

[youdunsay]

I am curious if anyone has made or had made a career switch to related-fields of your past jobs and still able to make a mark on the new pasture.

 

From being a reporter/journalist/editor, where have you progressed to?

From being a research analyst, where have you progressed to?

And, how much time have you spent to make the transformation?

 

I am not sure if vertical advancement within an organization is privileged for everyone and is the fastest route to success. Would like to hear stories of non-traditional paths.

 

 

Share your experience!

[robaday]

I was a research analyst for six years, first job out of uni for a market research company. I specialised in niche consultancies and forecasting sales of products where no info was available, for marketing companies. I transitioned quickly from associate, to analyst, to senior analyst in that time but while there were some things I loved - the variety of the work, the multidisciplinary team, the fact most analysts tended to be younger where I was at, there were a lot of things I really disliked - working for soulless multinationals, no love for the research area, long hours and few benefits apart from pay.

 

I switched to a charity something Id always wanted to do. Took a pay cut quite happily and on the whole Im happy I made the transition. I still work in research but now its more assessing how our programs perform. I wake up way more motivated than I was and dont miss the money as much as I thought I would.

 

The thing Ive learned though sadly is that some sectors there simply isnt promotional opportunities. After 4 years theres still no where for me to go higher - just the nature of the sector I work in, most arent in it for the money. Also my previous experience doesnt really seem to count. Without the qualification to back it up, its just my word.

 

My advice is, pick up accredited training wherever you are. I regret not doing more courses after university now. Be patient - charity is so frustrating compared to streamlined corporate but now I wouldnt want it any other way. Be humble and admit your not the expert. Most of all enjoy it!! not many people get the chance to try their hand at different things - go for it!