By Geri Hearne
When you’re considering a career pivot, the hardest part isn’t always making the leap, it’s figuring out where to leap. You may know you’re ready for change, but how do you explore a new industry without feeling like an outsider? The key is focused, curious, and human-centered research.
Here’s how to dig in strategically and uncover where your skills truly fit.
1. Start with curiosity, not commitment.
You don’t have to know whether a field is “right” for you before exploring it. Think of this phase as investigative journalism for your career. Follow your instincts. If you’re drawn to sustainability, AI ethics, or nonprofit leadership, start reading, watching, and listening. Set up Google Alerts, browse trade journals, and subscribe to one or two industry newsletters. You’re not job hunting yet; you’re foraging.
2. Decode the language of the field.
Every industry has its own shorthand including terms, priorities, and pain points. Study how professionals talk about challenges and success. Look at company press releases, LinkedIn posts, or podcasts featuring leaders in the space.
Ask yourself:
- What trends or issues come up again and again?
- Which words signal authority or innovation in the field?
- How do they measure value?
Learning the language helps you translate your existing experience into their world. It’s a crucial step in making a credible pivot. It’s a way others can see that you belong in that room.
3. Go beyond Google: use data tools.
- LinkedIn: Search for people with roles you admire. What’s their career path? What skills do they list?
- Glassdoor / Indeed / O*NET: Identify what qualifications or keywords appear in multiple job descriptions.
- Industry reports: Sites like IBISWorld, McKinsey, Deloitte Insights and the company I work for, Challenger, Gray and Christmas publish accessible analyses that can reveal which areas are growing.
You don’t need to read every report, just enough to understand the ecosystem.
4. Talk to real people (the right way).
The most valuable insights come from conversations, not click-throughs.
Ask for informational interviews, not job leads. A few thoughtful questions can open big doors:
- “What drew you to this industry?”
- “What challenges or trends do you see shaping the next few years?”
- “If someone were wanting to get in, what should they understand first?”
People love to share what they’ve learned. Approach with genuine curiosity and gratitude. Take notes during or right after the conversation. You’re going to see patterns emerge.
5. Always, all ways: Experiment before you commit.
Once you’ve done your homework, find a low-risk way to test the waters:
- Attend an industry conference or virtual panel.
- Volunteer on a project that aligns with your target field.
- Take a short course or certification to build confidence and context.
- Offer to freelance or consult on a small piece of work.
Experience confirms what research suggests and even more, it gets you more connected to where you may wind up moving to! Experience will also reveal which parts of the field energize you most.
6. Translate your story.
After gathering insight, reframe your narrative. Instead of saying, “I’m switching careers,” say, “I’m applying my background in storytelling and leadership to a new space.” Industry research gives you the evidence and language to bridge that gap with credibility.
Final thought
Exploring new fields isn’t about starting from zero — it’s about connecting the dots between what you already know and what’s next. With curiosity as your compass and research as your guide, you’ll move from wondering “Could I fit in?” to knowing exactly where and how you can contribute. Good luck and let me know how it’s going!
Need help with your career pivot, telling your story, or getting clarity? I’m here to help you take the next step Book a session with me, I’m happy to support you!