This week we’re looking at decisions you may face during today’s practically inevitable job transitions. I recently heard this question:
I have been thinking about changing my career and going into sales. My career has been in the chemical manufacturing industry. What do I know about sales?
Thinking about your career is a good sign. It indicates you want to redirect your path, and these days, it is the norm to have several changes over the years.
Start by developing an understanding of your transferable skills, sometimes called crossover skills. These are skills that can be transferred from your current occupation to one that may require additional training or education.
Before changing career paths, identify your interests, values and transferable skill sets. Answering these questions can get you started:
• In your present manufacturing position, what skills do you use that can be readily transferred to your interest in sales?
• What is it about sales that interests you? For example, in manufacturing, how much experience do you have with outside vendors?
• How much customer service, internal and/or external, do you deliver?
• Do you know the skills that are essential to being a good sales rep? If not, you need to conduct several information-gathering meetings with people in sales to help you formulate a realistic goal.
Never underestimate the value of conducting research before making a career move. The information you gather can help determine if are moving in the right direction. It takes time to meet with people and gather information, but in the long run, this research pays off.
In my experience, if you have a strong desire to try something new — and after calculating the risks and gathering information you still feel this is the right move — go for it. You will never know if it is right for you unless you try.
What do you think? I’d love to hear from people who have made these big career changes. Did things turn out as you’d hoped? Where you happy in your new career?
