The Career Pivot

How to Facilitate a Career Pivot

• Track mobility: How do people move around in an industry as they progress in their careers? What is the point of entry? What barriers are there with regard to education and certification?

• Note landmarks: Who are the big players and the small upstarts? Accumulate facts about the competitors, which can be achieved easily through an online search.

• Locate guides: Find people who know the ropes and workings of the industry and who are willing to share their wisdom and insight (i.e., contextual industry information). LinkedIn and informational interviewing are helpful tools.

Satisfaction

A final advantage of the career pivot strategy is the satisfaction you experience by enjoying a new adventure, thriving on a new challenge, pursuing your passions or resolving feelings of stagnation. Ultimately, the value of a pivot is that you manage your achievements, you direct your career track, and you determine what success and happiness looks like for you. Create your own unique path to attain your goals. What is your strategy?

Sources

(1) Hoffman, Reid. “Entrepreneurship Rules of Thumb.” Lecture. Endeavor Entrepreneur Summit. Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco. 30 June 2011. Ecorner. Stanford University. Web. 6 June 2012. <http://ecorner.stanford.edu/authorMaterialInfo.html?mid=2770>.

(2) Rapple, Rebecca. “Identifying Your Transferable Skills.” Weblog post. The Resume Revolution. Web. 6 June 2012. <http://theresumerevolution.com/identifying-your-transferable-skills>

(3) Rapple, Rebecca. “Personal Branding Your Way Through A Career Pivot.” Weblog post. Personal Branding Blog. 4 Mar. 2012. Web. 6 June 2012. <http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/personal-branding-your-way-through-a-career-pivot/>