feeling siloed & struggling to pivot into #privacy

Sony
mosaicpii

Go to company page Sony

mosaicpii
Mar 23 4 Comments

Specs: currently a mid-level professional - Poli Sci B.A. from a UC, finished an ABA-approved paralegal program, worked as a paralegal for approx five years, took on a contract role as a BA manager mid-last year at a big tech company (currently no longer with Sony but haven’t updated my profile yet)

A few years ago, I became really interested in the data privacy space. It was a personal interest that became a professional passion. I knew I wanted to make a pivot from what I currently do (IP asset clearance) to privacy. Obviously, since I lacked background, I started prepping for the pivot. I obtained a CIPP/US certification, found and started a grad degree program that could compliment my interest (Cybersecurity Policy M.S.), and I finally began applying to roles. I’ve been applying to openings for privacy analysts, privacy managers, policy managers, privacy related project managers, privacy paralegals, and compliance managers. I’ve applied to 20 postings, and I am currently on my 8th rejected application - I haven’t gotten even a single invite to a phone screening. I’m starting to get stressed that this pivot will not be possible. I know my resume is not a shoe-in fit, but I have a lot of transferrable skills. I’m ready to get neck deep and I’m a fast learner - I know I can do well if I’m given a chance. But I’m feeling dejected. What am I doing wrong?

Has anyone here successfully made a non-attorney legal speciality pivot? Do you have any tips?

Meanwhile, I’m planning to take the CIPP/E exam next month so hopefully that helps me more, but I’m feeling like that won’t make any difference - I feel pretty discouraged.

#legal #career

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TOP 4 Comments
  • Meta
    DMvN60

    Go to company page Meta

    DMvN60
    Hang in there, I faced like 6 rejections before I changed my job hunting strategy. I got a CIPP/US certification like you but I continued getting rejections.

    What I did differently was re-writing my resume to highlight the transferable skills and interest in privacy, joining the IAPP and using LinkedIn to network with other privacy professionals. I even attempted writing articles on privacy regulations. Eventually, I connected with a professional who was willing to submit a referral and that eventually led to an interview. I had received an automatic rejection from the company three months earlier.

    Have you considered becoming a member of the IAPP, attending the IAPP KnowledgeNet meetings, or networking with privacy professionals? The IAPP has a number of networking events and those events are a great opportunity to network with other privacy professionals.

    You can also use LinkedIn to network with other privacy professionals. Most of the time people are willing to help or share their experience.
    Mar 23 1
    • Sony
      mosaicpii

      Go to company page Sony

      mosaicpii
      OP
      Thank you for the rich comment. I sent you a DM with a few questions. Obviously if you prefer not to chat, I completely understand. I still really appreciate your feedback!
      Mar 23
  • You might try joining a tech company as a paralegal in the privacy department or even in the privacy practice at a tech biglaw firm. Sometimes you need to just get in there and start doing it, to get the resume value and to start impressing people.

    Or entry-level privacy analyst/specialist jobs like this:

    Check out this job at Snap Inc.: Privacy Operations Specialist https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3008972807

    Check out this job at Spectrum: Privacy Specialist https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2952755051

    Check out this job at TRU Staffing Partners, Inc.: CONTRACT Privacy Specialist (CORPORATION) https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2978221493

    Check out this job at CrowdStrike: Paralegal, Privacy and Public Policy (Remote) https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2938191950
    Apr 9 0
  • Okta
    ggdrbdhsvf

    Go to company page Okta

    ggdrbdhsvf
    Have you tried writing a cover letter that explains your desire for the switch? It might help to get hiring managers/recruiters to take a second look at your resume if they understand why your previous experience may not seem to align with the roles you’re applying for.
    Mar 31 0