Changing careers is a big decision, and one that many people think about after experiencing what their chosen profession really looks like right out of college. Choosing to change course, whether after 25 years of work experience or he is after 5 years, is a stimulating as it requires considerable time and commitment due to its inherent challenges. can be aggressive and stressful.
Common difficulties people face when looking for work in a new field include effectively presenting transferable skills to demonstrate value to prospective employers, fear of the unknown, It involves being overwhelmed with effort. Making change takes information, a clear plan, and confidence, but there is value in developing professional fit.
Corrina Pysa Wright, senior director of marketing and business development at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz in Cleveland, described her experience transitioning into the legal marketing field at age 30. She won two Emmy Awards on stations across the country before she transitioned into legal marketing. Her career spanned from Montana to Maryland to Cleveland.
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“It was an amazing experience, both professionally and personally, that I will forever be grateful for,” she said. Given that, I decided to leave the business for several reasons, including wanting to diversify my skills in new directions that I felt would allow me to live longer.”
For Pysa Wright, some of the biggest challenges in starting a law career later in life included the challenges inherent in a career change. It’s the need to learn new skills and understand new industries. And then there was a change peculiar to her situation.
“In my situation in particular, I’ve found the work format to be coordinating,” she said. , pinned the show, then finished work, went home and came back the next day to start all over again. Instead, projects span days, weeks, and even months at a time, making effective planning and time management critical.”
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Such struggles are not uncommon. A change of format can mean a change in lifestyle, or a change in how you see yourself.
“Another challenge I wasn’t always prepared for was that of identity,” Pisa Wright said. “For about 10 years I was a news anchor and reporter. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that it’s not what you’re doing: devoting yourself to your career, being serious about your job, and doing a good job are important and reflect who you are, but what your career means to you. should not be defined.”
She realized that she possessed an invaluable transferable skill.
“My career in journalism has provided me with an excellent training ground for legal marketing,” she said. “Communication and storytelling are and still are a big part of my job. Other important transferable skills include digital marketing, strategic planning, research and writing, interpersonal skills, and acting under pressure. It has the ability to work well, flexibility and adaptability.”
Pysa Wright is happy to finally make the change. “It’s been great for me,” Pisa Wright said. “I enjoy what I do. I enjoy my ‘normal’ schedule and vacations.” You can’t put a price tag on your precious time with your loved one. ”
She said she believes there are advantages to starting a career at a more mature age
“I feel more confident in myself as a person and I feel more confident in myself as a professional,” Pisa Wright said. “I switched to a new career, but I developed universal skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, time management, and teamwork, so I had a more mature perspective than I had just graduated from college. I was able to start.”
What is her advice for anyone considering a career change later in life? I suggested that you try to market yourself.
“It doesn’t change overnight and you may very well face rejection in the process of seeking a career change, but if it’s what you want, keep doing it,” Pisa Wright said. “All you need is one person to open the door and give you a chance. Expect that you’ll have to work hard to prove yourself.” Accept the challenge and commit to learning every day.It doesn’t matter what you do, learning is a lifelong process.”
Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance journalist.
