CAREER ADVICE COLUMN: How do you Career Transition into a New Area?

How would an advertising creative transition over to working on the account management side?

Hi R,

I suggest "engineering backward". In other words, first find out what the requirements are for the position in account management. Once you have fully found that out, examine your own background to determine what's missing.

Once you understand what additional skills you need, you can then go to your own management and perhaps the management in charge of account management and ask both of these people about work assignments you could be given to help you develop. I usually like engaging the "to be" manager in this discussion as they will become much more engaged in your success if they have had input on what you need to do.

A pearl of wisdom is to not underestimate the personality differences between the two bodies of work. That may not come across in any discussions or analysis but it will be there. You may discover that as a creative the demand for oral communication is less than in account management. Be mindful of what those are and be ready to address them in your discussions.

Do you have a career question you want Dorothy to answer?

Email her at: dorothy@nextchapternewlife.com. She will answer all questions and will keep your name confidential if she publishes your question.

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Guest Expert:

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a Career Coach and expert on helping her clients achieve their goals. Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift, Career Makeover Toolkit at: http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/