Desperately seeking advice
Desperately seeking advice…..
I have an employment background working in both, retail and non-for profit management and over five years of management experience. I have a B.A. in Clinical Psychology & Sociology, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and I am currently working on my Six-Sigma Greenbelt Certification. I desperately want to leave the non-for profit sector and re-enter the for profit workforce sector. However, I am having a hard time trying to find employment. What should I being doing to market myself as having a solid background and understanding of management and the for profit sector while bring my understanding of human interactions and behaviors as a bonus?
I am going to be leaving the Midwest region by the end of the year and relocating to the Southwest Florida area. This there any advice as how I can re-invent or market myself in this new area?
Why are you doing your six sigma? What interests were behind that?
When I look at a career transition, I think of threads that might connect between your background and your target. Threads are relevant connections. Education. Work experience. Specialized knowledge and skills. The types of experiences. Etc.
The fewer the threads, the less likely you can convince someone. The more threads, the easier it is. You have to identify and make the connection. So, what targets are you thinking of that you can connect your background to?
Ian Christie
Career Changers Coach
I am currently doing Six Sigma training as it relates to my current employment as a Compliance Manager, performing audits and evaluating program effectiveness. I was also encouraged by friends whom are all Six Sigma Blackbelts to go through the program which would in help make me become more marketable/employable, as I do not want to pursue another degree (MBA).
Yes, I understand that the “for Profit” is not a target, however, when you feel trapped and unable to escape working in the non-for profit sector, the for-profit sector can feel like a target, hence a fresh breath of air, not so bound by government bureaucrats, workers driven to succeed because there is a understanding, motivation of profitability.
Threads and targets…my threads are closely related to retail management.
So, when you do some online job searches with Retail as a focus, do you see jobs that look intriguing and that you think you can make a case for?
Ian Christie
Career Changers Coach
I have located some potential jobs, however, I will not be relocating until the fall season. When would be a good recommended time frame for me to start applying for jobs in Florida?
I was hoping with retail, possibly some of the stores would be located near where I live now and I could start my training here then relocate as I am ready to move. However, I understand the logistics and that may be just too impossible. I have applied for some jobs (retail mngt) here locally (before my plans changed and we decided we are going to move) and I was never given a call for an interview and I would get the nice form rejection emails.…So, my fear becomes this…my resume is showing I have to much experience in the non-for profit and not enough in the retail sector of the workforce. What can I do? My experience is what it is……
The effectiveness of this approach hinges on you analyzing what it takes to perform and be successful in their environment and then showing that you have a similar track record.
It also hinges on the impression you develop as a performer - someone, who in the past, has made things happen.
Ian Christie
Career Changers Coach