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About Emily Bardeen
Expertise
I have experience working with job hunters of all ages who are looking for their first job, career changers, people who have been laid off, and people who are job hunting for career advancement. I can answer questions on job search strategy, research, finding a "good fit", career assessments including the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory (SII), resume writing, cover letters and other correspondence, networking (I like to call it getting advice), interviewing, negotiating an offer, and getting started in a new job.

Experience
I have 15 years of experience as a Career Advisor, 8 of them serving as the Human Resources Director of Career Services to 7,000 employees, including one-on-one career appointments and workshops on career planning, job searches, resumes, interviewing, career change, career assessments,going back to school and supervisor support for career development. Previously, I provided career advising via available to a community of 150,000 via email, telephone and in-person appointments. I have also career advised welfare-to-work recipients, undergraduate and graduate students, and focused on women's career and job needs while at a Women's Center.

Organizations
NCDA National Career Development Association

Publications
www.emilyoncareers.com

Education/Credentials
M.A., Georgetown University B.A., cum laude William Smith College Organizational Development Certificate, NTL Institute Certified in: MBTI Type Indicator SII Strong Interest Indicator CCL Benchmark 360

Past/Present Clients
My clients range from electricians to engineers and from people getting their GEDs to PhD researchers. They literally go from A (Aesthetician) to Z (Zoologist) and one of my clients was a spy -- getting out of the industry, not in! Some are very sophisticated computer users, and some are just learning. Some of my clients have criminal records; some in have been in law enforcement. Some want to be teachers; some want to leave teaching. Some are executives; some are administrative assistants. I do not usually work with high school students, other than to helping them plan their next steps for school.

You are here: Experts > Jobs/Careers > Job Searching: Canada > Job Hunting Tips > Pursuing a career change

Job Hunting Tips - Pursuing a career change

Expert: Emily Bardeen - 10/27/2009

Question
I'm writing to you because I've already been turned down by three experts in this field- which is a first in my experience using AllExperts.com. I really hope you can help me.

I live in New York City. I am 34 years old. I was a security officer from 2002 to 2008, and for the most part I was never very happy doing it. I worked the third shift for 3 years, and was thankful to be promoted to the mornings. Despite this, I accepted a promotion as supervisor which would bring me back into overnight shifts. I became depressed, short-tempered and my health suffered and finally, I left. I suspect that I failed in this endeavor because not only was I at odds with other guards, but it seemed that my own captain didn't approve of my work anymore. I live with my parents, so they have been very merciful. I go to school now during the day and doing very well.

I am still unemployed and seeking a job outside of security. Earlier in the year, I was warned by a counselor that for me, finding a job outside of security will be very, very tough.

My question is how can I maximize on what I do have to offer, to increase my chances for success in a field outside of security? What is your advice? I really want to leave security behind.

Thank you for your time.

David.

Answer
Hey David,

I totally appreciate why you wanted to change to another field.

Your situation, where you were promoted to supervision and then became unhappy, is something I see all too often. Unfortunately, many companies don't have technical promotions, so "advancement" requires moving into a supervisory role to get a promotion. That isn't always the right career move -- especially if good supervisory training is not provided.

I don't have your resume, so I'm going to go on what you said in your question: Going to school during day, living with parents (so I am figuring low-ish living expenses?)and you have some work experience before security - ie, pre-2002 - maybe military?

Here is a plan A and plan B.
PLAN A: This is more radical! Try and finish school as quickly as you can - take as many classes as possible. If you need money for debt, gas, etc. look for a parttime job.

Rationale: You will be eligible for a higher paying job once you finish school. Bite the bullet and finish. This strategy assumes you don't have high expenses and can still stay with your parents. If you go to school and need financial aid there are usually more options if are a fulltime student. (If you happen to be ex-military, be sure to check and see if any of your military training can be transferred for academic credit.) As a FT student you may be eligible for health benefits depending on your school.

PLAN B: I tell my clients: RUN TOWARD your new career, don't FLEE FROM your old one. Your question said you want a job outside of security - that's more like FLEEING FROM. When you're switching careers like you are, it can help to identify 3 or 4 new career fields you would LIKE to work in. Then you can do some research on companies, jobs, skills, and tailor your resume so it demonstrates how you fit their needs.

Rationale: This strategy helps you to focus your efforts - when everything you look at is a potential job opportunity, it easily becomes mentally and emotionally overwhelming. Picking several target areas to research (of courses you can change them as you go along!) gives you the info you need so that you have the information and insight you need to literally and figuratively maximize what you have to offer in your resumes, applications and interviews.

Right now, the job market is tough for anyone. It is also true that it takes hard work, education and perseverance to make a career change - just like you are doing. I became a career advisor (through a career change!) because I believe peoples' jobs shouldn't make them sick. David, I am glad you left security and are on the road to finding the fit for you. I am happy to answer any more questions you have on your job hunt and career. Good luck!

Emily

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