Career Change Guidance

If you’re coming out of a supermajor like Exxon, Shell, or Chevron, chances are your job title doesn’t reflect the weight of what you actually did. I’ve worked with folks who were basically running million-dollar projects, overseeing contractors, managing teams, and owning timelines — but their title was something like Operations Advisor 3 or Technical Professional. When it comes time to switch companies (especially outside of oil & gas), this can trip you up. Here’s how to level the playing field: 1) Break your role down into what you ran, not what you were called. A client came to me with the title “Subsurface Engineer II.” But he’d led asset development planning across multiple basins, coordinated with drilling and completions, and presented at exec reviews. On paper, that’s a Development Manager or Senior Reservoir Engineer anywhere else. 2) Study how titles map across industries. Different companies name things differently. What Shell calls a Wells Engineer, other firms call a Drilling Engineer or Project Engineer. If you’re applying to mid-sized operators, contractors, or new energy companies, use job postings to figure out which titles line up with what you’ve actually done — not what your old badge said. 3) Be upfront in interviews — and use data to back up your expected salary and/or title. Say it like it is: “At Exxon I was a Facilities Engineer, but I managed $90MM in brownfield upgrades and led a 7-person project team. From what I’ve seen, that aligns with a Senior Project Manager or Capital Projects Lead here.” That helps them calibrate your role, and your compensation. Your title might have been vague, but the work wasn’t. Don’t let a strange job title keep you from the job — and pay — you’ve already earned! #oilgas #oilandgas #oilandgasindustry #engineering #petroleum #energystrong

From Business Journalist to CMO in Web3 I feel the need to write this because I see so many talented writers struggling to find work, especially freelancers. AI has replaced mediocre writing, and most businesses can’t afford expensive writers. Only the top of the top are getting work, and as AI integrates deeper into marketing stacks, this trend will only continue. I’m not a career coach, but I can share the pivots and risks that worked for me and decisions that gave me the confidence to always find work, whether in jobs or consulting projects. My Journey: - I spent 6 years as a business journalist before transitioning into communications, still writing on the side out of sheer journalistic hunger. - In 2018, I moved from India to Germany to start from scratch at a Berlin startup, only to lose my job soon after due to a mismatch in expectations. - Freelanced for 3 years across podcasts, social media, writing, workshops, communications, and email newsletters. - By 2020, I knew I had to specialize in one industry to grow. I started testing the waters in blockchain by taking more consulting gigs while balancing a part-time marketing job. These were very busy days. - In 2023, I said f* it! I need a full-time job in Web3 marketing.** - Over the last two years, I learned that Web3 marketing especially in a lean team meant picking up BD, sales, community, partnerships, and eventually, building a team to amplify impact. Had I not constantly pivoted, upskilled, and taken risks, my career would have stagnated. And let’s be real, who knows if a CMO will even be needed five years from now? I might end up doing a marketing function that doesn’t even exist yet. So my advice? Be curious. Keep upskilling. And keep using AI. 👉 If you’re figuring out your next pivot, whether in writing, marketing, or Web3, please drop a comment. Would love to hear how you’re navigating the changes.

ad Let’s be real, career switching can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone around you is shouting “upskill!” or “retrain!” like it’s the only way forward😓 But here’s the thing… You probably already have way more to work with than you think. Leveraging a study tool like Quizlet to evaluate your current skills and prepare for interviews can help you feel more confident in the skills you already possess. Here are 4 tips I wish I had to help me transition without scrapping everything and starting again👇: 1️⃣Before you start applying, get clear on your soft skills Soft skills get overlooked all the time, and it’s wild because most jobs literally depend on them. Communication, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability... these aren’t “nice tohaves,” they’re “need to haves.” Whether you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, admin, or something super niche, you’ve already built up loads of these. Write them down, own them, and get comfortable saying them out loud. For example, I used Quizlet to create flashcards with common interview questions and stronger, reframed phrasing for my answers. It helped me practice and feel more confident speaking about my experience. 2️⃣Reframe your experience, don’t erase it You don’t need a blank slate, you just need a new lens. A great hack is to look at the job descriptions for the roles you’re aiming for and figure out how your past experience matches up. Say you worked at a burger place. Instead of saying, “I managed a busy burger shop,” try: “I led a high-pressure team environment and delivered consistently strong customer satisfaction scores. ”Same experience, new language. That’s how you bridge the gap. 3️⃣Get obsessed with job descriptions and learn the lingo. This one's underrated. Read a bunch of job ads in the field you’re moving into. You’ll start to see patterns in the language with words like “stakeholder management,” “cross-functional collaboration, ”or “PCA” (Post-Campaign Analysis if you're looking at marketing).Even if you haven’t done the exact thing, chances are you’ve done something similar. It’s all about connecting the dots and using the right words to describe them. 4️⃣Start talking to people in the space you want to enter. When it comes to breaking into a new industry, LinkedIn can be your bestie. Find people who are already doing the thing you want to do. Connect. Ask questions. Go to industry events or virtual panels if you can. You don’t have to beg anyone for a job, just show up with curiosity and listen. A 10-minute convo can give you way more insight than hours of Googling. If you want to assess your current skills, and also see how you can reframe your experiences - give my Quizlet Flashcards a go! Link below👇 https://lnkd.in/egWYws4n

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲?  You’re not alone.  Recently I’ve been receiving countless inMails asking for advice on making an industry switch.   A recurring theme caught my attention, so I dug into the data.  1. 𝟳𝟴% 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰.   2. 𝟳𝟳% 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.  The pandemic didn’t just shift routines. It shifted priorities.  But here’s what I hear most often:   “𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘢, 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 10+ 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺?”  My answer? Yes, it is. And if you’ve successfully pivoted before, you’ve already proven your ability to adapt, learn, and excel in new environments. That’s a message employers want to hear.  Here’s how to approach it:  𝟭. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀.   What have you mastered that transcends industries?   Leadership, communication, problem-solving - these are gold everywhere.  𝟮. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.   If you’ve pivoted before, showcase it. Success in new settings proves your adaptability and resilience.  𝟯. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽.   Learn about your target industry.   Take courses, join webinars, or find a mentor to sharpen your knowledge.  𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.   Align your CV, LinkedIn, and interview pitch to the industry you’re targeting.   Be clear about the value you bring.  𝟱. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.   Connect with professionals in your desired field.   Join groups, attend events, and start meaningful conversations.  𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Be crystal clear on your WHY.  I once had a candidate tell me they wanted to pivot because “I live close to your office.”   A career change takes courage and commitment from both sides. Your reasons need to reflect your vision, not convenience.  What about you?   Are you considering a career change in 2025?   Or did you successfully pivot in 2024? Share your story, I’d love to hear it!  

If you’re looking to change careers, investing over ₹20 lakhs and two years on an MBA is not always the best idea. In India, taking the B-school route to advance or pivot one’s career is a very common pattern. And sure, an MBA gives you three critical things:  - bigger network - strong credentials - time to experiment All very useful. BUT if you already have clarity on what you want next, there are better, faster, and far more efficient ways to do it. Here’s what I suggest 👇 1) Internal job rotation Start by shadowing the team you want to work with in your current organization. Take on smaller tasks. Build context and trust. Then propose a 6–8 month rotation tied to a measurable outcome. It’s worked for several people I know! 2) Short, project-first courses Pick short courses that focus on hands-on learning. There are plenty of them now. They usually cost one-tenth of an MBA, and even a single applied project can help you reposition your experience toward the role you’re aiming for. 3) Industry mentors Reach out to people already in the role you want. Ask how they made the move, what hiring managers actually look for, and which skills mattered most. And if they’re open to reviewing your resume/do mock interviews. And if you're struggling with finding someone, try Pivot, where you can choose from over 200 mentors across domains & industries.  4) Freelancing & internships Every hiring manager needs proof of work - build that. Take up freelance work or internships, or volunteer for free at a friend’s startup, to gain a real-world flavor of working on live projects.  Nothing demonstrates capability like real-world experience and achievements. It’s not that MBAs don’t have any value. They work when you need the network or a mid to long-term pause to explore. But my point is simpler:  Don’t buy an expensive multi-year career reboot to validate something you can test in months while getting paid.

I think I get at least one question every day about optimizing your resume to land interviews as a career pivoter. So let’s break it down: how to write a resume to pivot into a new job that you don’t previously have experience in 💡 (and to be confident you’re getting the best advice, I come with receipts from Wharton’s best practices for career changing resumes) Before we start... general resume best practices will still be your best friend. Think ATS-friendly formatting, focusing on accomplishments rather than responsibilities, quantifying your achievements, and using keywords - all tips that still apply. But there are a few resume tweaks that can help you compete with more "traditional" talent. 1. Include an objective You may have been told to skip a summary at the top of your resume that it’s a waste of space - not anymore! A summary is your chance to make it crystal clear why your background (that doesn’t look like an obvious fit on paper) will be the perfect thing this hiring manager needs (even more perfect than the “right fit on paper candidates”). To do this, focus on the outcomes you can deliver and the skills that qualify you for the job. 2. Summarize your skills Above your work experience, try creating a skills summary section, by listing a few of the most important skills you want to highlight, and then a bullet point that describes an example of when you used this skill. 3. Focus on only relevant experience Time to be RUTHLESS with tailoring your work experience. You’re only including bullet points that are relevant to the role you’re applying to. Get rid of the fluff. 4. Emphasize education This section can be a great way to show you’re serious about making the career pivot. List relevant coursework from your university education, plus any courses or certification programs you’ve completed to make this pivot. The more reputable the better. 5. Use a notable accomplishments section Especially if you don’t have a ton of experience, it can be helpful to add a notable projects or accomplishments section. I remember on early versions of my resume I had a Leadership Experience section where I listed Volunteer programs that I ran and my position on my Sorority’s Executive board. Be sure that everything you list here ties back to the key skills required in your target job. Go forth, and build your resume, and remember, career pivoting is a whole strategy that is sooo much more than just applying to the jobs you want!

Hate editing your CV for every job? I used to feel the same way so here’s how I used to tailor mine (no paid tools used) in under 10 minutes without rewriting every single sentence. And as a matter of fact, it also got me interview calls more often. ⏩Step 1: Drop the JD into a free AI tool (there are various options like Claude/ChatGPT) Use a prompt like ‘I want you to think like a recruiter for this role. Based on this job description (paste JD), what keywords, skills, and responsibilities are being prioritised?’ You’ll get the exact patterns and themes the recruiter is scanning for. ------------ ⏩Step 2: Quick CV alignment Pull up your current CV. The key is to understand what to highlight here, not rewrite entirely. Ask yourself and you can ask even the AI: -What points already match this JD? -What’s missing that I’ve done before, but haven’t included? Use these AI tools to match your CV against the JD and identify the overlaps and potential gaps ------------ ⏩Step 3: Focus on tweaking only the key zones 👏Work experience section: Look at your existing bullet points under each role. Can you quickly tweak the phrasing, verb, or add a specific metric that directly relates to a requirement in the job description? 👏Skills section: Reorder your skills so that the ones explicitly mentioned and prioritised in the job description appear first." 👏Interests/Other/Additional information section: If the job description or company research reveals specific values or interests they promote (e.g., innovation, community involvement, sustainability), and you have a genuine interest or involvement in a related area, you should briefly mention it. This can showcase culture-fit even before the interview rounds. I know job-hunting is already exhausting. But tailoring your CV matters. A lot. So, try this no-fluff shortcut that helps you match what they’re looking for in your next application and let me know how it goes! #cvtips #jobsearch

As thought leaders navigate the complex landscape of social media, certain pitfalls can undermine their credibility and impact. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: 🎭Lack of Authenticity: Audiences value genuine insights and experiences. Thought leaders who consistently share content that resonates with their personal or professional journey tend to build stronger connections with their followers. 🔄Inconsistency: Whether it’s the frequency of posts or the thematic focus, inconsistency can hinder the ability to establish a loyal audience. Consistent engagement is key to keeping your audience interested and invested in your insights. 📢Over-Promotion: While it’s important to share accomplishments or services, overly promotional content can be off-putting. Striking a balance between providing value and self-promotion is essential for maintaining credibility. 💬Ignoring Engagement: Social media is a two-way street. Failing to respond to comments or engage with followers can create a sense of detachment. Interaction not only humanizes thought leaders but also fosters a community of dialogue and learning. 🌐Neglecting Platform Nuances: Each social media platform has its unique audience and content preferences. Thought leaders should tailor their messages to fit the platform, whether it’s LinkedIn’s professional focus or Instagram’s visual appeal. By steering clear of these mistakes, thought leaders can enhance their social media presence, fostering a deeper connection with their audience and amplifying their influence in their respective fields. #ThoughtLeadershipTips #SocialMediaStrategy #AuthenticEngagement #DigitalInfluence #LinkedSuperPowers #EmilyPappas

"I love being a lawyer, but I hate my practice area." Switching practice areas mid-career isn’t just difficult—it can feel nearly impossible. You’ve spent years building expertise, establishing credibility, and, let’s be honest, getting comfortable. The thought of starting over? Terrifying. But here’s the real question: Are you happy? Because if you’re not, and you’ve got 10, 20, or even 30 more years ahead of you, staying put might be the bigger risk. I’ve seen attorneys successfully make the transition, but it takes more than just wanting a change. Here are some considerations: 1️⃣ Make sure it’s the practice area—not just the firm. A toxic culture, bad leadership, or poor work-life balance can make any practice feel miserable. Before you jump ship, be certain that the problem isn’t just your environment. 2️⃣ If you love your firm, explore an internal transition. Some firms are open to attorneys shifting practice areas. Have quiet, strategic conversations with partners in the practice you’re interested in. If transitioning isn’t an option, you might consider a more creative approach, like pitching a business plan to expand the firm’s offerings—but proceed with caution. If leadership sees this as a sign of dissatisfaction, it could put a target on your back. 3️⃣ Network like your career depends on it—because it does. Your next opportunity will likely come from relationships, not job postings. Get coffee with attorneys in your target practice area and be up front about your goals. All it takes is one person who's willing to help, but you'll have to be patient. 4️⃣ Try to learn as much as you can about the practice area before you even think about applying. If you wait until you land a job to start learning, you’re already behind. Read cases, take CLEs, read books, etc. Do this on nights and weekends. When you finally get an interview, you don’t just want to sound interested, you need to sound prepared. 5️⃣ Be willing to take a pay cut (maybe a big one). Unless you find a unicorn opportunity, expect to start at a lower level of pay and seniority. Can you handle that financially? If not, start saving now and plan it out. 6️⃣ Be honest with your family. A career transition isn’t just your decision—it affects those around you. Align on what this means for your finances, work hours, and stress levels before you make a move. 7️⃣ It’s never too late—unless you convince yourself it is. The hardest part of a career pivot isn’t learning a new area of law. It’s overcoming the fear of looking inexperienced again. But your legal skills, judgment, and experience do transfer. The learning curve may be steep, but you’ve tackled worse. Not every lawyer should make a big mid-career shift. But if you know you’re in the wrong place, staying isn’t the safe choice—it’s just the familiar one. Have you seen attorneys successfully transition to a new practice area? If you’ve done it yourself, what worked—and what didn’t?

[The New Energy Outlook 2025: Clean Tech Surges, But Net Zero Requires More] The world stands at a pivotal energy crossroads: BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook 2025 reveals that, even amid policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks, clean energy technologies are accelerating—yet a pure market-driven approach still falls short of climate goals. 🔍 Key Insights: Clean Tech Momentum: By 2050, renewables are projected to supply 67% of global electricity (up from 33% in 2024), while EVs will make up two-thirds of all passenger vehicles, driving a 40% drop in oil demand for transport. Renewables generation is set to double twice between now and mid-century. AI & Data Centers: Surging demand from AI and data centers will require 3,700 TWh of electricity by 2050—nearly 9% of global power use. Meeting this demand will need 362 GW of new capacity by 2035, with renewables and storage providing over half, but fossil fuels still supplying most incremental generation. Emissions Trajectory: Global energy-related CO₂ emissions are expected to peak in 2024 and fall 22% by 2050—yet this path aligns with 2.6°C of warming, not the Paris Agreement’s net zero target. Most abatement comes from clean power, electrification, and efficiency, but hard-to-abate sectors (industry, aviation) lag behind. Regional Divergence: While China, the US, and Europe drive emissions declines, emerging economies in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa will see rising energy demand and investment needs. Gas demand grows 25% by 2050, highlighting divergent regional futures. 🎯 Career Impact: In-Demand Roles: Engineers, project managers, and finance professionals with expertise in renewables, grid flexibility, and digitalization (especially data center energy management) will be highly sought after. Skill Shifts: The rise of AI/data centers and grid integration increases the value of digital skills, power systems modeling, and cross-sectoral knowledge (e.g., energy + IT). Adaptability and systems thinking are critical as the sector evolves. Sector Opportunities: Professionals in oil, coal, or traditional power should consider upskilling in clean tech, energy efficiency, and grid modernization to stay relevant as investments shift. ⚡ CATALYST Reflection: Clarify: Assess your current skills and map them to emerging clean energy and digital opportunities. Acquire: Leverage AI-powered learning tools to upskill in renewables, storage, and digital grid management for future-proof roles. Target: Identify high-growth regions (Asia, MENA, Africa) and sectors (data centers, EV infrastructure) for career moves. 💡 Action Step: Explore certifications in renewable energy, grid flexibility, or data center energy management. Use AI-driven self-assessment tools to benchmark your readiness for transition roles. 🚀 Question: How are you preparing your career for the surge in clean energy and digital power demand?