In this episode of Career Conversations, our guest is Sheila Barr, a Careers Advisor specialising in the Springboard Programme. Siobhan and Sheila discuss the topic of career transitioning - how best to approach a change in career and the struggles to overcome. They provide useful tips on how to tailor your CV and LinkedIn to give you the best shot at moving into your desired field. Episode six was recorded on 30th January This episode was produced with the assistance of Maeve Fortune (Second Year Communication Studies Student). 0:00-0:50 Introduction Introduction of speakers Siobhan Murphy (DCU Careers Advisor) and Sheila Barr (DCU Careers Advisor, Springboard Programme) Quick introduction of today’s topic: Career Transition 0:50-3:08 Phrasing a Career Transition correctly on your CV (2mins) Importance of transferable skills All your past experience will stand to you, it just needs to be phrased correctly Skills based CV rather than chronological 3:08-7:47 Skills Based CV Include personal details and professional profile There usually is some logical narrative that you can capture in your profile Find the commonality between the sector you’re leaving and the sector you’re moving into Look at skills required by job description and shape your achievements/skills around those Example: Commercial Acumen Most impressive/important points first, create an early positive impression Provide evidence of each skill 7:47-10:08 Master CV It is crucial to match your CV to each job application Have a master CV of 2/ 3 pages with everything you’ve done For each application, extract and adapt from the master Speed reading is key, reader should know you after a 10 second glance (Ask a friend to check for you) Use bullet points, ability to communicate with clarity is universally valuable 10:08- 13:50 Demonstrating a career break on your CV Time out to look after family, rear children, and move abroad. Gaps in CVs Sheila’s personal approach after two career breaks Detail in bullet points what you did during break (committees, attended classes, voluntary work, upskill) Skills from extracurricular/voluntary work just as valued 13:50-14:56 Most important element Look at the role you are going for and what they are looking for. Demonstrate that you have the skills they’re looking for with your history 14:56-17:00 Dovetailing your LinkedIn profile to communicate career transition Get involved in your new sector, reading, discussion groups, writing posts Use LinkedIn to position yourself for that career pivot Always tell people your story, encourage others 17:00-20:37 Easing struggles Working your way up the ladder to realise… “I’m on the wrong ladder?” Don’t see a future in the sector you’re in Work on project/ committees that might help adapt to new area Try things in that area to make sure it’s what you want Unconfident? Persevere and take one step at a time,surround yourself with support 20:37-23:20 Training in a new area Go easy on yourself, takes time to adjust Remember your strengths, skills, gets you through times of doubt, stress Everything before now has shaped you, no learning is ever wasted Steve Jobs example: Calligraphy class gave him look and feel for fonts for apple 23:20- You’re making the right decision Take joy that you’re moving into what you want Nothing wrong with changing, we are more than one thing Keep yourself informed

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