How To Sector Jump

Looking for a change but scared to leave your current industry? Not only is this possible, but actually a very smart move. Here’s how you can do it.

Do you feel that the industry you are currently working in is no longer right for you? Are you worried about professionally pigeonholing yourself by staying in the same industry for too long? Are you worried that you’d struggle to move into a new industry - say the nuclear industry - after all this time? If so, then read on.

Speaking from personal experience, our founder Andrew Crabtree believes it is incredibly beneficial to everybody’s career to get as much experience across different industries as possible.

"Take me, for example – I haven’t always worked in the nuclear industry. In fact, before this, I spent years in sport, sales, banking, and, after that, the nuclear industry.

By moving between different industries, I was able to develop a variety of expertise and I have built a diverse network along the way. An added bonus was that it allowed me to discover what I was truly passionate about."

It’s essential to feel engaged in your work. A large part of that engagement comes with working in an industry that you genuinely find exciting and interesting. So, think about what you’re interested in; from what you do and do not find interesting about the industries you have worked in; to your hobbies, passions, and the causes you care most about.

Consider topics you enjoyed studying at school or uni and even your favorite genre of books or TV shows. For example, you may have enjoyed History at school and have since read lots of books about leaders throughout history developing your interest further.

Write down any interests that spring to mind, as this will help you build a shortlist of potential industries that are right for you.

Now that you are clear about what you are genuinely passionate about, find out whether the jobs that you are looking for are in high demand in that industry.

For instance, if you are a project manager who finds cybercrime interesting, conduct some research on cybersecurity in the nuclear industry and the types of management roles available.

You should also find out what your chosen function is like to work in. There are always variations between every role and company in the nuclear industry, there are often common trends, cybersecurity is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Would this sound like an environment you would enjoy working in?

If possible reach out to any contacts you have that are currently working in nuclear (LinkedIn is a great way to do this) and ask for their feedback and advice. Attend relevant events within the nuclear industry to speculate, and have a look on company review sites such as Glassdoor to see if you can identify any recurring comments.

It is strongly advised that you speak with a recruitment consultant at this stage to get their expert advice. The key is to make sure that your passions translate to the right role, one that offers the right opportunities and environment for you. Get Into Nuclear are the experts in Sector Jumping into the UK Nuclear Industry. Get in touch to arrange a free CV review and 15-minute call or sign up for the six-steps to get into nuclear online course.

Following working through the six-steps to get into nuclear online course, you will have narrowed down the type of role in the nuclear industry you would ideally like to work in.

Now it’s time to increase your knowledge and start the journey to becoming a nuclear industry expert. This will put you in the best position when it comes to interviewing. Here’s how:

As you follow these tips, you will find that your knowledge and understanding of the nuclear industry will start to improve. This knowledge will allow you to sense-check that this new industry is definitely the right choice for you.

Now that you are more certain that you want to work in the nuclear industry, and you are becoming a nuclear industry expert, it’s time to create a job-search strategy tailored around this exciting new industry.

Update your CV and any of your online profiles. Add any new skills learned, amend your hobbies and interests section to reflect your enthusiasm for this new industry, and tailor your personal statement to explain why you would like to move into this field, based on your findings so far.

Register with a recruitment consultant and get a meeting in the diary. They can recommend you for suitable roles, give you some valuable insight into what this company is like to work for, and help prepare you for your interview. Again Get Into Nuclear are experts in Sector Jumping. There are many nuclear recruitment consultants in the nuclear industry at they will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Network both online and offline. You don’t have to spend all day on job sites. Attend nuclear networking events, connect with any new contacts on LinkedIn, and get involved in industry discussions online.

Manage your own expectations to stay motivated. It may take slightly longer to find that role if the competition has a lot of nuclear industry experience but you will find the right opportunity if you keep trying.

Consistently doing the above, combined with the standard job-search practices such as looking on job sites for roles in the nuclear industry, will further your chances of securing an interview.

And finally, here’s what to do once you eventually get that interview in the diary. The interview is your chance to really shine and demonstrate why this industry is of interest to you.

You’ll have the opportunity to talk about how much you have researched the nuclear industry, learning more about what it entails, and taken it upon yourself to increase your expertise. Remember, preparation is key here.

Ahead of the interview, identify any overlaps between your previous industry and nuclear, and how your transferable skills and experience could be beneficial to this role.

For example, you may have previously worked in finance and are now interviewing for a role in the Nuclear industry. Both sectors are complex, ever-evolving, and unpredictable; therefore, during the interview, demonstrate that you are adaptable and understand the importance of personally keeping on top of trends, reports, and news stories in the nuclear industry.

Whatever your transferable experience is, be prepared to talk about it. If you are not asked the specific question it is worth pointing out to the interviewer that having come from a different sector, you have a fresh perspective and can bring new ideas to the table - a lot of nuclear employers acknowledge that this is exactly what the nuclear industry needs.

You should also prepare any questions that you have about this nuclear industry in advance. Given that you don’t have much experience, there should be plenty. Asking these questions won’t show weakness on your part, rather a curiosity and passion to learn more, which is something every prospective employer looks for in a candidate.

Remember to listen out for answers during the interview, and bring a notepad so you can write down any more that you think of.

Lastly, let us just reiterate to you that changing industries and getting a range of experience under your belt is a wise move, and will speak volumes about your adaptability as an employee. Just make sure when considering entering the nuclear industry that it truly excites you by doing your due diligence and increasing your expertise in this sector.

Once you’re sure that this new industry is right for you, tailor your job search and interview strategy accordingly, showing the powers that be exactly why are right for the job. The six-step to get into nuclear online course has been created with this in mind.

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