S1 Ep6: Career Transition

In this episode of Career Conversations, our guest is Sheila
Barr, a Careers Advisor specialising in the Springboard
Programme. Siobhan and Sheila discuss the topic of career
transitioning - how best to approach a change in career and the
struggles to overcome.  They provide useful tips on how to
tailor your CV and LinkedIn to give you the best shot at moving
into your desired field.

Episode six was recorded on 30th January


This episode was produced with the assistance of Maeve
Fortune (Second Year Communication Studies Student).






0:00-0:50 Introduction


Introduction of speakers Siobhan Murphy (DCU Careers Advisor) and
Sheila Barr (DCU Careers Advisor, Springboard Programme)


Quick introduction of today’s topic: Career Transition





0:50-3:08 Phrasing a Career Transition correctly on your
CV (2mins)


Importance of transferable skills 


All your past experience will stand to you, it just needs to be
phrased correctly


Skills based CV rather than chronological 





3:08-7:47 Skills Based CV


Include personal details and professional profile


There usually is some logical narrative that you can capture in
your profile


Find the commonality between the sector you’re leaving and the
sector you’re moving into


Look at skills required by job description and shape your
achievements/skills around those


Example: Commercial Acumen


Most impressive/important points first, create an early positive
impression


Provide evidence of each skill





7:47-10:08 Master CV


It is crucial to match your CV to each job application 


Have a master CV of 2/ 3 pages with everything you’ve done


For each application, extract and adapt from the master


Speed reading is key, reader should know you after a 10 second
glance (Ask a friend to check for you)


Use bullet points, ability to communicate with clarity is
universally valuable





10:08- 13:50 Demonstrating a career break on your
CV


Time out to look after family, rear children, and move abroad.
Gaps in CVs


Sheila’s personal approach after two career breaks


Detail in bullet points what you did during break (committees,
attended classes, voluntary work, upskill)


Skills from extracurricular/voluntary work just as valued





13:50-14:56 Most important element 


Look at the role you are going for and what they are looking for.


Demonstrate that you have the skills they’re looking for with
your history





14:56-17:00 Dovetailing your LinkedIn profile to
communicate career transition


Get involved in your new sector, reading, discussion groups,
writing posts 


Use LinkedIn to position yourself for that career pivot


Always tell people your story, encourage others






17:00-20:37 Easing struggles


Working your way up the ladder to realise… “I’m on the wrong
ladder?” 


Don’t see a future in the sector you’re in


Work on project/ committees that might help adapt to new area


Try things in that area to make sure it’s what you want


Unconfident? Persevere and take one step at a time,surround
yourself with support





20:37-23:20 Training in a new area


Go easy on yourself, takes time to adjust


Remember your strengths, skills, gets you through times of doubt,
stress


Everything before now has shaped you, no learning is ever wasted


Steve Jobs example: Calligraphy class gave him look and feel for
fonts for apple





23:20- You’re making the right decision


Take joy that you’re moving into what you want


Nothing wrong with changing, we are more than one thing 


Keep yourself informed