Lately, a question keeps coming up in my conversations: what does it really feel like to jump industries, and do you have any advice? Career shake-ups seem to be everywhere right now. Some of it may be the times we’re in, and some of it may be the reality of mid-career, when many of us start rethinking our paths or feeling pulled toward something new.
For me, that shift happened a few years ago when I leapt into tech after building my education and career around environmentalism. It was a big change, and not always an easy one. But through it, I’ve learned lessons that reach far beyond tech, lessons that apply to anyone navigating a career change into a completely new space.
The most important thing I’ve learned? Give yourself grace. You cannot possibly know everything at the start. In fact, you’ll probably hit a wall at some point that feels like: “Just when I thought I was making progress, I realized how big the gap still is.” That’s normal. That dip is part of the process.
Find your superpower early.
When you change industries, imposter syndrome comes fast, especially mid-career. Suddenly, you’re working alongside people who’ve spent years building deep expertise. To balance that, it’s so important to find your own superpower early.
Chances are, your strength won’t be industry-specific. That’s okay. The key is figuring out how to apply it. For me, it’s always been about connecting with clients and building trust quickly. I leaned on that skill internally with teammates and externally with clients. That gave me confidence and credibility, even while I was still learning the technical side.
Get information flowing to you.
Don’t make yourself chase knowledge down every day. Set it up to come to you. For instance, subscribe to industry newsletters or blogs. Set Google Alerts for terms related to your role or area of interest.
These all seem small, but those daily drips keep you plugged into trends and conversations without extra effort.
Learn in different ways.
Everyone learns differently, and when you’re new to an industry, variety matters. Some things that worked for me:
- Free classes: Sites like Coursera or Google offer solid introductions.
- Podcasts: I learn best through stories and experience. Listening to industry leaders share real-world insights is powerful. (One favorite for me in tech is Lenny’s Podcast.)
- Voice readers: Reading isn’t my strongest learning style. Using a website reader app helped me get through heavy content more easily.
- Hands-on: Nothing beats trying it yourself. When I wanted to understand APIs, I downloaded Postman, experimented with an open-source API, and even built a simple site that pulled dog images on demand. That hands-on play gave me real confidence.
- Conversations: Ask questions, lots of them. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. People generally want to help you succeed.
- Research on the fly: If something comes up in a meeting that you don’t understand, jot it down and look it up later. Small gaps fill in fast that way.
Say yes to opportunities.
One of the best ways to grow in a new industry is to say yes to opportunities, even if you don’t fully understand them yet. Switching industries means you’ll always be learning as you go. If you feel too comfortable, you’re probably not stretching yourself.
Aim to live in a slightly uncomfortable space, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you gain knowledge and confidence.
Give Yourself Time
Finally, remember that this doesn’t happen overnight. It’s normal to feel out of place for a year, or even longer. Check in with mentors, coaches, and leaders to make sure you’re learning what you need to and at an appropriate pace. Often, you’ll realize you’re being harder on yourself than anyone else is. Give yourself the time and space to grow into the new industry. You’ll get there.
If you find yourself feeling emotional, questioning whether this path is right for you, or doubting your contributions and value, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I worked through it with the help of mentors, peers, and a lot of support.
Today, I can honestly say I’ve never been happier in my professional career. I love this industry, my role, my coworkers, and the company I get to be part of. If you’re navigating similar feelings, I’d be glad to connect. Sometimes just talking with someone who’s been through it makes the journey a little lighter.