Changing Careers

[The Snob]

So I'm 25, class of 2005, and had previously worked in banking since graduating through the end of 2007 (at which time I took a year+ off to travel). Now as I'm reentering the workforce (bad timing!), I'm finding it pretty much impossible to get a foot in the door in non-finance industries. For instance, I really would like to go into digital advertising and shooting off applications into the blackhole that is HR is getting me NO WHERE! My only glimmer of hope is with a Publicis Groupe firm I was offered a job to two years ago but couldn't take b/c of timing issues... and that glimmer, well folks, it's dim.

So I finally sucked it up and contacted folks in my old network for jobs. This means back to banking (u.g.h.). As most of the large shops are hemorrhaging, it's no surprise that at the current time, I'm looking at a very likely position as an associate at a boutique shop.

Now my question is... if I do end up getting the job (obviously I will take it; this is no time to be choosy), am I pretty much pigeonholing myself into "finance" and can pretty much kiss my dreams of being a hotshot in the glamourous world of media GOODBYE?!!! I imagine if I do get this associate job, it will mean bschool in 2 years... but coming out of bschool, i don't see anyone getting jobs as VPs at HBO--not unless they already have relevant media experience. I really don't want to be 30, with an MBA, an assload of debt, and an entry level (or near entry-level) account manager or something.

Do any of you guys have experience in switching careers? Like careers that are pretty much totally unrelated?

 

[thekunk07]

i switched from comic book artist to advertising, but process was remarkably similar so no biggie i guess.

 

[VKK3450]

Originally Posted by The Snob

So I'm 25, class of 2005, and had previously worked in banking since graduating through the end of 2007 (at which time I took a year+ off to travel). Now as I'm reentering the workforce (bad timing!), I'm finding it pretty much impossible to get a foot in the door in non-finance industries. For instance, I really would like to go into digital advertising and shooting off applications into the blackhole that is HR is getting me NO WHERE! My only glimmer of hope is with a Publicis Groupe firm I was offered a job to two years ago but couldn't take b/c of timing issues... and that glimmer, well folks, it's dim.

So I finally sucked it up and contacted folks in my old network for jobs. This means back to banking (u.g.h.). As most of the large shops are hemorrhaging, it's no surprise that at the current time, I'm looking at a very likely position as an associate at a boutique shop.

Now my question is... if I do end up getting the job (obviously I will take it; this is no time to be choosy), am I pretty much pigeonholing myself into "finance" and can pretty much kiss my dreams of being a hotshot in the glamourous world of media GOODBYE?!!! I imagine if I do get this associate job, it will mean bschool in 2 years... but coming out of bschool, i don't see anyone getting jobs as VPs at HBO--not unless they already have relevant media experience. I really don't want to be 30, with an MBA, an assload of debt, and an entry level (or near entry-level) account manager or something.

Do any of you guys have experience in switching careers? Like careers that are pretty much totally unrelated?


Why dont you find a boutique with a focus on media (assuming anything of the type is hiring), which will give you a solid exit into media when the time comes?

K

 

[The Snob]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

i switched from comic book artist to advertising, but process was remarkably similar so no biggie i guess.

How old were you and when you switched, were you placed back in an entry-level position thus needing to work your way back up again?

Also, comic book artist sounds majorly cool hehe

 

[The Snob]

Originally Posted by VKK3450

Why dont you find a boutique with a focus on media (assuming anything of the type is hiring), which will give you a solid exit into media when the time comes?

K

Well that would be ideal, but sadly that is not where my network lies. The job I am interviewing for now is pretty much completely unrelated to media in any way, shape, or form. And as former bankers are a dime-a-dozen right now, the offers aren't really busting through the door. If I get the job, I will definitely have to take it so I can get on with my life and NOT be where I am right now (regressing back to high school living at home... lol).

 

[VKK3450]

Originally Posted by The Snob

Well that would be ideal, but sadly that is not where my network lies. The job I am interviewing for now is pretty much completely unrelated to media in any way, shape, or form. And as former bankers are a dime-a-dozen right now, the offers aren't really busting through the door. If I get the job, I will definitely have to take it so I can get on with my life and NOT be where I am right now (regressing back to high school living at home... lol).

Fair enough. Further, its not an easy time for bankers or for media. Put the two together and its gotta be hard.

What about taking this gig for a year or so, leverage it to get into a top B-school, come out when the market is back up, and use it as an appropriate time to shift to media?

K

 

[The Snob]

Originally Posted by VKK3450

Fair enough. Further, its not an easy time for bankers or for media. Put the two together and its gotta be hard. What about taking this gig for a year or so, leverage it to get into a top B-school, come out when the market is back up, and use it as an appropriate time to shift to media? K
Yes, that's pretty much what I'm thinking. I guess my question wrt that is... coming out of bschool with no relevant media experience, would I be looking at some really crappy, low paying position? I don't mind the pay in theory and even now am willing to take a significant paycut to get to where I ultimately want to be--but I probably will mind it when I have 100k in debt coming out of bschool.

 

[VKK3450]

Originally Posted by The Snob

Yes, that's pretty much what I'm thinking. I guess my question wrt that is... coming out of bschool with no relevant media experience, would I be looking at some really crappy, low paying position?

I don't mind the pay in theory and even now am willing to take a significant paycut to get to where I ultimately want to be--but I probably will mind it when I have 100k in debt coming out of bschool.

There is no clear answer for this. People that are driven, network well, and are able to identify and sell their transferrable skills can probably make such moves without pay / level cut. Others may need to take a temporary step back.

Media is a tough industry. Money is good in some places / roles, but a lot of people in the industry are living hand to mouth and subsist off of free wine and canapes. I dont know where you are, but London media is a brutal place to be at the best of times.

K

 

[fashioncareer]

I believe switching careers can be exhausting but with the correct research, drive, and positive attitude anything can be attained especially coming from a high stress career like finance. I offer tips if your looking to branch off into a fashion career on my blog.