How to Career Pivot

 

A career pivot is a deliberate change in your professional path, whether to pursue a new industry, role, or passion. It’s a bold and transformative decision that requires strategy and planning. Whether you’re seeking better alignment with your interests, new challenges, or better opportunities, a career pivot can unlock new potential.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it means to pivot in your career, why you might consider it, and how to make the transition successfully.

What Is a Career Pivot?

A career pivot involves shifting from your current career to a different path that better aligns with your skills, interests, or goals. Unlike a complete career change, a pivot often builds on your existing experience, transferring relevant skills to a new domain.

Example: Moving from sales to marketing or transitioning from a teaching role to corporate training.

Why Consider a Career Pivot?

Here are some common reasons people pivot their careers:

1. Lack of Fulfillment

If your current job no longer feels rewarding or meaningful, a pivot can help you explore roles that better align with your values.

2. Changing Interests

Your passions and interests evolve over time. What excited you in your 20s may not resonate in your 30s or 40s.

3. Better Opportunities

Shifting to a high-growth industry or role can improve job stability, earning potential, or career prospects.

4. Skill Utilization

If your current job underutilizes your skills, pivoting can help you find a role where your talents shine.

Stat: According to a LinkedIn study, 62% of professionals have considered or undertaken a career pivot.

How to Plan and Execute a Career Pivot

1. Self-Reflection: Understand Your Why

Before making a change, take time to reflect on your reasons for pivoting.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Why am I unhappy in my current role?
• What kind of work would energize me?
• What skills do I want to develop or use more?

Tip: Write a pros and cons list for your current job and potential new roles to clarify your motivations.

2. Identify Transferable Skills

Every job equips you with skills that can apply to other fields. Identifying these skills is key to pivoting successfully.

Examples of Transferable Skills:

• Communication: Useful in customer service, sales, and marketing.
• Leadership: Applicable in management roles across industries.
• Technical proficiency: Skills like data analysis or graphic design are in demand everywhere.

Action Step: Create a skills inventory and highlight those relevant to your desired career.

3. Research Your Target Industry or Role

Learn as much as you can about the field or position you’re aiming for.

What to Research:

• Key responsibilities and required skills.
• Industry trends and job market demand.
• Salary expectations and growth opportunities.

Tools to Use:

• Job boards (LinkedIn, Glassdoor).
• Informational interviews with professionals in the field.
• Online courses or certifications to fill knowledge gaps.

4. Upskill and Reskill

If your target role requires skills you don’t have, invest in learning them.

Options for Upskilling:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.
• Certifications: Industry-recognized credentials, such as project management (PMP) or digital marketing (Google Digital Garage).
• Workshops and Bootcamps: Intensive programs tailored for specific skills like coding or design.

5. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Tailor your resume to highlight skills and experiences relevant to your new career path.

Tips for Updating Your Resume:

• Use a skills-based or hybrid format if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the new role.
• Emphasize accomplishments that demonstrate adaptability and learning.
• Add any new certifications or volunteer work related to the field.

LinkedIn Tip: Use the “Open to Work” feature and update your profile summary to reflect your pivot intentions.

6. Build a Strong Network

Networking is crucial during a career pivot, as it can connect you to opportunities and mentors.

How to Network Effectively:

• Attend Events: Join industry-specific meetups, webinars, or conferences.
• Leverage LinkedIn: Reach out to professionals in your target field for advice or informational interviews.
• Reconnect: Let friends, former colleagues, or mentors know about your pivot—they might have valuable insights or leads.

Pro Tip: Personalize your outreach messages. Mention why you admire their work and how they could guide you.

7. Gain Relevant Experience

Experience in your desired field will boost your credibility.

Ways to Gain Experience:

• Freelancing: Take on small projects to build a portfolio.
• Volunteering: Offer your skills to nonprofits or startups.
• Internships: Even part-time internships can provide valuable exposure.

8. Prepare for Interviews

Be ready to explain your career pivot confidently and positively during interviews.

Tips for Handling Pivot-Related Questions:

• Be Honest: Share your motivations for the pivot.
• Emphasize Value: Highlight how your background brings a unique perspective to the role.
• Show Enthusiasm: Express your eagerness to learn and grow in the new field.

Example Answer:

• “After several years in customer service, I realized my passion lies in marketing. During this time, I completed a certification in digital marketing and managed a small social media campaign for a local nonprofit, which reinforced my interest in this field.”

9. Be Patient and Persistent

Career pivots take time and effort. You may face setbacks, but persistence is key.

Mindset for Success:

• Treat challenges as learning experiences.
• Celebrate small wins along the way.
• Stay committed to your long-term goals.

Real-Life Examples of Career Pivots

From Teacher to Corporate Trainer

A high school teacher leveraged their teaching skills to transition into a corporate training role, focusing on employee development.

Key Steps:

• Highlighted lesson planning and public speaking skills.
• Completed a certification in instructional design.
• Networked with professionals in corporate training.

From Graphic Designer to UX Designer

A graphic designer transitioned into user experience (UX) design by learning about user research and wireframing.

Key Steps:

• Took an online UX design course.
• Built a portfolio with personal and freelance projects.
• Interned at a startup to gain hands-on experience.

Benefits of a Career Pivot

• Personal Fulfillment: Align your career with your interests and values.
• Skill Utilization: Use your talents in a way that feels rewarding.
• New Opportunities: Explore industries or roles with better growth potential.
• Increased Motivation: Reignite your passion for work.

Conclusion

A career pivot is an opportunity to redefine your professional journey and align it with your aspirations. By reflecting on your motivations, building transferable skills, and networking strategically, you can navigate this transition confidently.

Are you considering a career pivot? What’s your biggest challenge? Share your thoughts or questions below!