Topic 2:

Transitioning into New Industry & Field

Question: Transitioning from agriculture/poultry processing as an employee relations manager into a new field and industry. I would like to move out of meat processing and into a new industry. My experience over the last 4 years is diverse with a major emphasis in HR and a company that was expanding into the T&D area. When I search for positions in T&D, OD or performance improvement the companies are very specific about prior experience, it must be industry related or in the fields mentioned above. Can you provide some suggestions on how to start in this field? Especially if your industry is not the most preferred to transition from and the HR/T&D is not sufficient for a development position.

--No Name, Eastern VA

Answer: You are currently facing a very competitive job market with a two-pronged problem: 1) Gaining credibility so as to make a professional shift from a HR generalist to a HR specialist and 2) Moving away from your present industry to another that is more interesting and preferred.

Looking at Problem #1: At this point in your transitioning, you need to narrow your focus somewhat. Which specialized training/HRD area most interests you? No educational background information was included, and based on what you wrote regarding your situation, it would appear that you do not have formal advanced credentials in any of the specialties that you are looking to move into. Without any in-depth experience in a particular area, you need to consider pursuing a certificate or masters degree that focuses on OD, human performance improvement (HPI) or HRD to gain credibility. This can be done part-time or online, if you can not afford to go to school full-time.

Looking at Problem #2: Depending on your ability to relocate and/or the employers located within commuting distance, consider looking at organizations involved in other types of food processing, manufacturing, or food-related activities. As a marketing document your resume focuses on your competencies, skills, and accomplishments, not where you gained your experience. The cover letter indicates your commitment to the Training/HRD profession and why you not only want to change employers, but also industries. The printed resume resources listing included in Training: Transitioning from nonprofit to private sector will help you revise your resume.

How active are you in your local professional chapters? One of your best avenues for locating opportunities and gaining entrance to a potential employer is through personal introductions or referrals. The more people who know of your abilities through professional activities or networking, the better are your chances of making your desired changes.

In summary, this situation calls for creativeness, assertiveness, and confidence in the way you project your professional image. Essentially, you have to convince an employer that you are a quick learner, highly motivated, and very capable of transitioning and adapting to a new environment and job responsibilities.

--AR