Gabriela Medar, the Founder and Leadership Coach at Impactive Training, has made a remarkable transition in her career. Moving from engineering into the world of coaching and training, Gabriela’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance. In a recent LinkedIn post, she shared her personal experiences and offered valuable lessons for anyone considering a career shift. Through these lessons, Gabriela Medar highlights the importance of recognizing transferable skills, conducting thorough research, and leveraging professional networks to make transitions smoother.
Gabriela Medar’s insights are especially pertinent for professionals who feel hesitant about switching industries or roles. As someone who has lived through the challenge herself, she understands the complexities of such transitions. However, with her strategic approach, she has navigated the ups and downs, emerging as a leader who inspires others to follow suit. Let’s take a closer look at the three key mistakes Gabriela Medar advises against during a career change.
1. Underestimating Transferable Skills
Gabriela Medar emphasizes the value of recognizing and leveraging transferable skills, a crucial aspect when making a career transition. Many professionals make the mistake of thinking their past experiences are irrelevant in a new field. This belief can create unnecessary roadblocks and limit potential opportunities. In her own transition, Gabriela Medar realized that many of the skills she acquired in engineering, such as problem-solving and analytical thinking, were highly transferable to her new role in coaching and business management.
By identifying and highlighting these transferable skills, Gabriela Medar was able to build a strong foundation in her new career. Her advice is clear: don’t dismiss the skills you’ve honed in previous roles. Instead, identify how they align with your new career path and use them to your advantage. Doing so will not only strengthen your resume but also boost your confidence during interviews.
2. Skipping the Research Phase
Another mistake Gabriela Medar warns against is skipping research when entering a new field. Many individuals rush into a career transition without fully understanding the expectations, culture, and required skills of the industry they are entering. This oversight can lead to missteps and feelings of frustration.
Gabriela Medar’s advice to overcome this challenge is to conduct thorough research before making any major moves. She encourages aspiring professionals to read books, attend workshops, and connect with industry experts. Gaining insights from people who are already established in the field can provide invaluable real-world knowledge that cannot be found in textbooks. By engaging in informational interviews and networking events, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the industry and avoid costly mistakes.
Gabriela Medar’s own approach to research was instrumental in her successful career pivot. Her commitment to learning and understanding her new field empowered her to make informed decisions. This, in turn, set her up for success in the long term.
3. Neglecting Your Network
Lastly, Gabriela Medar advises professionals not to underestimate the power of their network. One of the biggest mistakes many individuals make during a career transition is assuming they have to figure everything out alone. While independence is valuable, Gabriela Medar believes that mentorship and support from others are essential for a successful career pivot.
Throughout her own transition, Gabriela Medar credits much of her success to the guidance of mentors and the connections she made within her professional network. These relationships opened doors and provided insights that accelerated her journey. Gabriela Medar encourages anyone undergoing a career change to reach out to their networkwhether it’s mentors, colleagues, or industry professionalsbecause these connections can play a pivotal role in providing opportunities and advice.
Gabriela Medar’s experience underscores the importance of nurturing relationships throughout one’s career. Building a strong network of people who can offer support, mentorship, and even job leads is an invaluable asset. The power of networking, as Gabriela Medar points out, should never be underestimated.
Embracing the Process of Transition
While career transitions may seem daunting, Gabriela Medar’s advice shows that they are entirely manageable with the right approach. She reminds us that these transitions take time, patience, and resilience. Embracing the process and trusting one’s ability to adapt and grow is critical to overcoming obstacles along the way.
In her post, Gabriela Medar encourages individuals to be patient with themselves and to give themselves the space to learn and evolve in their new roles. This mindset shift can make all the difference, allowing individuals to maintain confidence and motivation during a potentially challenging time. Gabriela Medar’s journey is proof that, with the right mindset and approach, career transitions can lead to personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
Gabriela Medar’s advice is a powerful reminder that career transitions, while challenging, are full of opportunities for growth and reinvention. By recognizing transferable skills, investing time in research, and tapping into the support of one’s network, professionals can navigate these changes with greater ease and confidence. Gabriela Medar’s own story serves as an inspiring example of how a well-thought-out approach to career change can lead to success. Whether you are considering a career pivot or are already in the process of making one, Gabriela Medar’s guidance provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to make a smooth transition.
