tough time changing industries
Hi there, I currently work as a Digital Project Manager in the adult industry. I'd really like to work for an ad agency of sort, but Idk if the current industry i work in is a hindering my chances. Also the company name vs. the network names different, so i usually have to clarify what kind of content it is I manage in post production. Does anyone have advice for me? Thanx
The most ironic thing about this is if you know anything about the world of digital and marketing you would understand that the adult industry historically has set the benchmark. The adult industry carved out the way for: 1) e-commerce 2) content subscription models 3) streaming video 4) live-streaming video 5) programmatic advertising 6) self service demand side platforms 7) Virtual Reality I think you can use your experience in performance driven ad agencies and they would get it
Business is business and everyone knows sex sells. Your own attitude (fears) toward your industry seem to me to be a bigger obstacle than any potential employer’s. Maybe you need to come to terms with your fear / shame. (Get over it. You’re bringing it into your search.) Focus on the value and contributions you have brought and can bring. Focus on your competence and achievements. Be proud and confident of what you’ve done and move forward. Any employers who get hung up on the industry you work in are probably not the kind of small minded people you want to work with anyway. Part of the job hunt is finding your crew. People who think in ways that align with your values. You need to seek out open minded people who are looking for talent and not attaching the brand of a company to your personal brand. Some people can make this distinction. A lot of people struggle with it (especially techies). Another pro-tip, flip to a competency based resume. Helps recruiters focus on your skills and not the brands you worked for or titles you held. BTW I’ve switched between six different industries over my 15 year career, all while moving up and all across very reputable brands.
Need to start networking among mainstream media people. I met a few people who worked for Playboy. One managed to move to a mainstream company (where I used to work). He probably knew someone. Also if you’re in LA, people tend to be more understanding as most of the production is there or in the Valley.
Consulting work to build up more to talk about and move the porn down on your resume. Or move to something else morally questionable but also legal like booze or weed. I personally don’t treat any industry as a red flag, but adult content would be the hardest for me to look past. Out of curiosity I would interview you just to hear how you got into it.