Breaking into a different industry

Raytheon
BCMGunfigh

Go to company page Raytheon

BCMGunfigh
Oct 1, 2018 16 Comments

Tell me if you've heard of this one:

You apply for a job at a company that's in a different industrial sector. After one or two rounds of interviewing, they tell you that your technical skills are impressive but they're going to move forward with a different candidate with more domain knowledge / subject matter expertise. If you're lucky, they'll tell you that you might be a better fit in a considerably lower position (think new grad level IC) and encourage you to apply for that position instead.

How do you break into a different industry without taking a significant career progression hit and effectively resetting your yoe? I've been getting some basic exposure to other industries with my MS program but definitely not enough to be competitive. Should I be looking for pro bono opportunities with nonprofits to supplement my portfolio, or just tinker on side projects in my free time?

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 16 Comments
  • New
    sdblind

    New

    sdblind
    That's common in finance. Try a different company. There are a few willing to abuse anyone that comes along. Just be ready to jump to a better company after you've had enough (experience).
    Oct 2, 2018 2
    • New
      Senec@

      New

      Senec@
      I have quite a bit of experience with Finance and the culture, full disclosure. My point was that Fintech seems to inherit some of the unattractive quirks of Finance (higher level of douchiness, relative to Tech overall). Not saying everyone, every firm is like that, but that you might have to look far and wide to find a good place with good people.
      Oct 2, 2018
    • Upstart
      imherenow

      Go to company page Upstart

      imherenow
      Not my experience though... but I don't know many companies.
      Oct 2, 2018
  • Intel
    BK'sBoyToy

    Go to company page Intel

    BK'sBoyToy
    Dude gtfo of defense ASAP if you care at all about TC or career progression.
    Oct 1, 2018 1
  • Qualcomm / Eng
    ORbW22

    Go to company page Qualcomm Eng

    PRE
    Intel
    BIO
    ASIC
    ORbW22
    Are you software or hardware ?
    Why do want to leave defense?
    Defense is getting lots of money from trump
    Oct 1, 2018 2
    • Software.

      Personal career broadening, frankly. I spent a few years active duty so transitioning to a defense company was seamless but I want to try something different, if anything to hedge myself against a potential industry slump if that ever happens.
      Oct 1, 2018
    • Microsoft has a program specifically for recruiting veterans. Look into it.
      Oct 2, 2018
  • New
    Senec@

    New

    Senec@
    Not that you asked, but I’d be very hesitant to join most Fintech startups. Have yet to see or meet one with a good culture and team. Not saying they aren’t out there, but of the dozen or so I’ve seen, been underwhelmed or turned off by their behavior. Would bet others have had similar experiences.
    Oct 1, 2018 0
  • Upstart
    imherenow

    Go to company page Upstart

    imherenow
    I've never seen domain knowledge being a requirement for software engineers. The maximum I saw was it being considered bonus points. I'm in fintech and before that neved did anything finance related. If you want a referral to Upstart let me know.
    Oct 1, 2018 0