Changing work sector

[NickFitz]

Since becoming a contractor I've worked on projects for clients in the following sectors: online news, financial services, travel agencies, universities, diverse clients of a graphic design agency, commercial radio, Yahoo!, commercial radio again, various clients of a marketing agency, a university examinations syndicate, furniture retail, online library services, advertising, UI software for Freesat boxes, promotions and competitions, careers guidance, competitions again, metals trading, marketing again, consumer credit services, managed IT services, and central government. And CUK, of course

So if anything, I find it unusual when I end up back in a sector I've already worked in, as it's only happened three times in over twenty years

[Whorty]

Similar ... as a BA, PM, Finance Systems bod it's my skills clients want as most are transferable to any sector ..... a P2P implementation is pretty much the same whatever the sector, it's just the items being purchased that differ.

I've worked in Gas, Asset Management, General Insurance, Lloyd's Insurance, Pharma, Pensions, Banking, Property, Social Housing, Consultancy, Media, Entertainment. Probably others I can't think of .... I've been approached to work with BAT twice and turned them down. That's one sector I'd always struggle to work in.

[TheDude]

I have worked in defence (simulation software), market data, medical data and banking.

I'd consider anything interesting (excluding gambling, defence, tobacco) if the money is acceptable.

[Eirikur]

I've worked in Local Government, Retail Banking, Airports, Higher Education, Pharmaceutical, Shipping, Construction. Never had an issue with switching industries.

What it is about your skill set that means you are a one trick pony with no transferable skills?

Me Local Government, National government, betting and gaming, airlines, finance, energy, retail, household appliances, charity and telecoms, my skillset can be used in all these industries and more, not sure why you are stuck in one (yes I know the problem is that simpleton recruitment agents often don't understand that if you can do X in finance you can also do X in Government or retail)

[DoctorStrangelove]

Since becoming a contractor I've worked on projects for clients in the following sectors: online news, financial services, travel agencies, universities, diverse clients of a graphic design agency, commercial radio, Yahoo!, commercial radio again, various clients of a marketing agency, a university examinations syndicate, furniture retail, online library services, advertising, UI software for Freesat boxes, promotions and competitions, careers guidance, competitions again, metals trading, marketing again, consumer credit services, managed IT services, and central government. And CUK, of course

So if anything, I find it unusual when I end up back in a sector I've already worked in, as it's only happened three times in over twenty years

Have you considered lion taming?

Just askin' like. .

[SueEllen]

yes I know the problem is that simpleton recruitment agents often don't understand that if you can do X in finance you can also do X in Government or retail

They aren't all simpletons as I've worked in a variety of sectors doing very similar work and using similar technologies.

I've been approached for tobacco a few times and turned them down. I noticed when you approached for tobacco or gambling you are asked if you have an ethical problem with it first.

[Paddy]

Hi,

Has anyone successfully changed the sector they work in?

I have been working as a software developer in financial services for most of my career and fancy a change. I have some very in demand skills (scala, functional programming, some spark) and am good at what I do.

Thing is it is pretty dull. I fancy doing something more interesting/worthy for the rest of my career but don't really fancy taking a hit to my day rate.

I tried changing from the financial sector to the adult entertainment sector but I could not stick it out for long.

[jamesbrown]

I tried changing from the financial sector to the adult entertainment sector but I could not stick it out for long.

I'm no expert, but I think you're supposed to stick it in.

[WTFH]

In the last 25 years I've had clients in the following sectors:

Medical Devices/Pharmaceutical
IT
Manufacturing
Construction
Food & Beverage
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Aerospace
FMCG
Government

The top 2 account for >60% of my career, the top 5 would cover >80%.
I've never felt that I wanted clients in other sectors, nor have I felt like I needed to avoid certain sectors. I've normally taken roles because they interest me and will pay the bills.

[northernladuk]

I'm no expert, but I think you're supposed to stick it in.

Me neither but I thought you needed to be able to stick it out long enough to stick it in.