Looking for a change? ‘Different’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘opposite’
Dear Sam: I am bored and unmotivated at work.
The job pays well, but most of my time is spent looking at a computer. I have a graphic-design certificate but never pursued a career in the field. I love art and design. It motivates me, and I would love to be a fulltime graphic artist. How do I even start to transition careers? — Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: Given the analytical nature of your day-to-day work compared to the creative drive you possess, I can see the struggle you must be facing.
Have you thought about building your graphic-design portfolio through freelance work or volunteer engagements? This is a great way to build a portfolio and update your skills.
I work with many clients who want to do something “different” — and “different” doesn’t always have to be the complete opposite of what you are currently doing. Perhaps just changing companies or industries — yet still engaging in similar analytical work and freelancing on the side — would fulfill both your need to earn a paycheck and your desire to be more artistically engaged.
It is challenging when you need to prioritize financial considerations over passions, which I completely understand. Perhaps finding a happy medium — a slightly more engaging environment for your 9-5 job and also freelancing to use your creative juices — would be a good option.
If you do make the decision to do a career-180, you will want to evaluate what type of position you are seeking. Review the requirements for these jobs to gain a sense of how qualified you are for the roles, given your lack of recent experience in the design arena. It may make the most sense to segue into an organization that will allow you to diversify your contributions beyond what you are doing now — hopefully, with a path to getting into the more creative arena you seek.
Have you considered returning to school to secure a design degree? Have you started networking with creative associations — the American Marketing Association, for instance — and attending their monthly meetings? Have you thought about going to a creative staffing firm to try and secure a part-time or contract design role? All of these ideas are great ways to start going in the direction of where you ultimately want to land.
Dear Sam: I graduated from college in May, and I am still looking for a position. I did, admittedly, get a late start, as I was involved in an honors program and was attempting to balance the rigors of my coursework with my internship. In any case, it has been two months since I graduated, and I am still looking for a job. With each day that passes, I feel the need to lower my sights and apply for anything and everything just to get my foot in the door. Is that the best approach for an entry-level person who has not really carved a niche in his professional journey? — Rick
Dear Rick: While casting a larger net to catch more fish may seem like an effective strategy, it is actually quite the opposite.
Instead, change the bait — fish for what you really want, and you’ll increase your catch rate.
As a new graduate with limited experience, you don’t have an area of expertise to sell, but I imagine, based on your degree program and internship, that you already have begun carving a niche for yourself.
Review job postings targeted with what you really want to do, and ensure that your resume speaks the correct “language.” Keyword optimization is critical to getting through applicant tracking systems, as well as human screeners; hence, you have to make your resume reflect the relevant aspects of your early experience, education and training.
I would caution you that your first career position can make a dramatic impact on the trajectory of your journey and your compensation levels. This first step is so important. You are laying the foundation on which you will continue to build your career, so make sure you choose really strong bricks. Refocus, target and push your resume out there through a diverse and robust distribution strategy, and I believe you will soon see results.
— Samantha Nolan is a certified professional resume writer and the owner of Nolan Branding, a full-service resumewriting firm. Email resume or job-search questions to dearsam@nolanbranding.com. To find out more about Nolan and her services, visit www.nolanbranding.com, or call 614-570-3442 or 888-952-3928.