Networking Strategies during Industry Transitions

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!  

One non-negotiable strategy you must include in your job search: Networking. Let me share a few real examples from my clients: - One client landed an interview just by having a casual chat with a school friend at a shop. That conversation led to a referral. - Another secured a high-paying VP role after a mutual friend introduced him to the founder over coffee. - A third, from India, landed interviews in Europe through strategic LinkedIn DMs and well-nurtured online connections. These aren’t random wins. They’re proof that both in-person and online networking work, especially when approached with intention. If you’re job searching, don’t just rely on job portals or mass applications. Networking can open doors that resumes alone can’t. Here’s how to make it part of your strategy: 1. Reconnect with old friends, colleagues, or classmates. You don’t always need new contacts. Some of the best opportunities come from people already in your circle, so reach out and reconnect. 2. Start genuine conversations, not cold pitches. Don’t message just to ask for a job. Be human. Start by checking in, sharing your journey, and being curious about theirs. Conversations first, opportunities next. 4. Be visible where your industry hangs out Whether it’s LinkedIn, industry events, virtual panels, or niche groups, your presence matters. People notice those who show up consistently and contribute meaningfully. 5. Focus on building relationships, not just asking for favors. People are more likely to support you when they feel respected and understood. Add value, engage authentically, and focus on the long term. It’s not luck — it’s strategy. A strategy that helps you skip the pile of 100+ applications and go directly to the right conversations.

How do you make a career pivot without starting over❓ Switching fields doesn’t mean starting from scratch. The key? Leveraging what you already have. Here’s how to transition without losing momentum: ——————————— 🔹 Reframe your experience → Your skills are more transferable than you think. ↳ Instead of “5 years in sales,” say “5 years in client relationship management and negotiation.” ↳ Instead of “marketing,” highlight “data-driven audience outcomes and brand strategy.” 📌 Translate your experience into language that fits your new industry. ————————— 🔹 Bridge the knowledge gap → You don’t need another degree, just the right skills. ↳ Take a targeted online course (not a full degree). ↳ Get a certification that carries weight in your new industry. ↳ Freelance or volunteer to gain relevant experience. 📌 You need proof of ability, not just interest. _____________________ 🔹Network with intent → Opportunities don’t come from job boards—they come from conversations. ↳ Connect with professionals already in your target field. ↳ Join industry groups, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. ↳ Reach out to hiring managers, not just recruiters. 📌 Who you know accelerates where you go. ————————- ✅ Your existing experience has value. Frame it correctly. ✅ Learn strategically, only what’s necessary to pivot. ✅ Your network is your shortcut. use it wisely. 💬 What’s the biggest challenge in making a career switch? #careerchange #jobsearch #networking #careerprogress

As an ambivert leaning toward introversion, the biggest challenge I’ve faced while preparing to transition from the military to the civilian sector is… 👉🏾 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘋𝘔𝘴. It’s not that I can’t sell myself—I’ve run multiple businesses over the years, so I’m familiar with pitching. But even in business, I’ve always disliked cold calls. Why? Because I value authenticity. Reaching out to someone purely for what feels like self-serving reasons just doesn’t sit right with me. Yet, every career and transition guru emphasizes the importance of: 🔹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 🔹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 🔹 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 And they’re not wrong—it is part of the process. But instead of blindly following a script or spamming inboxes, I’ve discovered a few tips that feel more authentic and aligned with who I am: 𝟭. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Before sending that connection request, I spend time engaging with someone’s posts. ✔️ Leave meaningful comments. ✔️ Share their insights with my network. This creates a genuine interaction before any direct outreach. 𝟮. 𝗕𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 When I do send a message, I’m upfront about my intentions: ✔️ To learn from their experiences. ✔️ To understand their industry. ✔️ To connect because we share common ground. Transparency goes a long way. 𝟯. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 Networking isn’t just about asking for help; it’s also about giving back. ✔️ Share insights or resources. ✔️ Offer a different perspective based on your experience. 𝟰. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Approach conversations with curiosity, focusing on: ✔️ Building relationships. ✔️ Understanding their story ✔️ Being genuinely interested, not just “checking a box.” As I navigate this transition, I’m still learning and refining how I show up authentically on LinkedIn. But I know one thing: 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗲-𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! #MilitaryTransition #LinkedInTips #AuthenticityInNetworking

Your Network Can Open Doors to Your Next Big Opportunity—Here’s How to Use It Right! 🤝 Most job seekers focus only on applying to jobs… but did you know that a high % of jobs are landed through networking? 🚀 Your network is your secret weapon—if you use it right. Here’s how to tap into it effectively: 🔹 1. Engage Before You Need a Job Don’t wait until you’re unemployed to start networking. Build relationships consistently—comment on posts, share insights, and support others in your industry. Visibility matters! 🔹 2. Leverage Weak Ties (Not Just Close Friends) Your next opportunity is more likely to come from an acquaintance than a close contact. Reconnect with former colleagues, classmates, or industry peers—they have access to new circles you’re not in. 🔹 3. Make Strategic Asks (Not Just “Do You Know of Any Jobs?”) Instead of asking for a job outright, ask for insight: 📌 “I admire your career in [industry]. Can I pick your brain on how you navigated your transition?” 📌 “I saw you worked at [Company]. I’d love to hear about the culture—would you be open to a quick chat?” People love to help, but make it easy for them with specific, low-pressure requests. 🔹 4. Give Before You Ask Networking is a two-way street. Share job leads, recommend great candidates, or offer insights where you can. When you add value first, people are more likely to help you later. 🔹 5. Follow Up & Stay Top of Mind The magic isn’t in one conversation—it’s in staying in touch. A quick “Hope you’re doing well!” message or commenting on their LinkedIn post keeps you in their orbit. That way, when an opportunity arises, they think of you first. 🚀 Networking isn’t about asking for favours—it’s about building genuine relationships. Start today, and your next big opportunity could be just one conversation away. 💬 Have you ever landed a job through networking? Drop your story in the comments! 👇 👉 Found this helpful? Reshare to help others grow their network!

Networking is a long-term investment, not a short-term solution. This is especially true in seasons of career change. Whether you're pivoting into a new industry or moving into a new role within your company, the relationships you’ve built (or neglected) will either accelerate or slow you down. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. The best time to network is before you need anything. When your only message is “I’m job searching,” it can feel transactional. Build the relationship first. The opportunities will follow. 2. Dormant ties are gold. That former colleague, supervisor, or classmate you haven’t spoken to in years? They might be the missing link to your next move. 3. Internal networking matters too. Looking to grow where you are? Schedule that coffee chat with someone in a different department or leadership role. Visibility inside your company opens doors. 4. Not all connections need to be strategic. Some of the most impactful introductions come from casual, everyday conversations. Stay open. Be human. Be curious. 5. Consistency beats intensity. One thoughtful message or interaction each week is more powerful than a burst of activity and burnout. 6. Your personal brand sets the tone. When people know what you’re about, they know how to refer you, champion you, or recommend you for something aligned. 7. Networking is about planting seeds. Some conversations will bloom in weeks. Others will take years. Both are worth the effort. Start now. Remain visible. Nurture your relationships. It pays off when you least expect it! #SheLeadsBeautifully 🌷 #Networking #CareerCoach #CareerDevelopmentTrainer #RelationshipBuilding

I often hear from PhDs and postdocs exploring roles beyond academia, and one pattern keeps surfacing: the urge to stack up online certifications—as if each new course brings you closer to being “industry-ready.” I understand that instinct. The transition can feel unsteady, and courses offer a sense of structure and reassurance. But here’s a quiet truth: you probably don’t need more certifications. Explore courses if you’re genuinely curious—but not as a checklist. Very few have a meaningful impact on your career prospects. The ROI just isn’t there. Say you’re pivoting from preclinical research to clinical trials. A free GCP training like this one from NIDA (https://lnkd.in/ghpjBsKv) is more than enough to meet basic compliance expectations. What actually moves the needle? • Translating your academic CV into an industry-ready resume (functional or hybrid formats work well for initial applications) • Communicating your academic work in terms of operational and commercial value (tangible outcomes, numbers, and language that resonates with nontechnical stakeholders) • Getting comfortable with behavioral interviews (drawing from real examples where you’ve managed people, timelines, resources, or stakeholder expectations) • Showing up where hiring happens (cold applications work best when backed by real-world networking with decision-makers or their teams) That means networking in person whenever you can—at conferences, company events, or local meetups where real conversations shape real opportunities. If you’ve already poured years into rigorous research, the goal now isn’t to chase low-impact credentials—it’s to refocus your energy toward direction, clarity, and connection. Certify your clarity, not your panic. You already carry more value than you realize. For those looking to build a reliable foundation in clinical research in parallel to your career transition beyond academia, I recommend these helpful resources (🔗 in the comment section): 1) A Comprehensive Guide to Clinical Research by Dan Sfera and Chris Sauber 2) Clinical Trials: Study Design, Endpoints and Biomarkers, Drug Safety, and FDA and ICH Guidelines by Tom Brody, PhD 3) Clinical Research YouTube Channel for long-form and bite-sized insights by Dan Sfera #PhDToIndustry #ClinicalResearchCareers