Switching careers can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially after spending years in a particular field. However, rather than discarding your previous experience, you can carry valuable skills and knowledge into your new path. I recently spoke with Galina Pliushcheva, and she shared her journey from economics and financial markets to founding the logistics company OK Delivery in the U.S with me. Her journey is something I relate to personally as well as I pivoted my career from finance and entrepreneurship to human resources over the past 2 decades. Her journey illustrates how previous expertise can support success in a new industry and highlights key strategies for navigating career transitions while building on your existing strengths.
1. Leverage Existing Skills
One of the most efficient ways to transition careers without losing momentum is to apply your existing skills in a new context. Whether you’re shifting industries or job roles, many abilities are transferable. Galina, with her PhD in economics, used her financial expertise to manage risks in her logistics business. Her deep understanding of currency fluctuations became valuable in controlling costs for OK Delivery, especially when expanding operations internationally. Despite moving into a new field, Galina didn’t abandon her financial background but found a way to apply it effectively. If you’ve developed skills in leadership, analysis, or communication, these competencies will often remain relevant even when the industry changes.
Another story, similar to Galina’s, is that of Cali’Flour Foods founder Dana Grant. Starting out in corporate lobbying, Dana quickly distinguished herself by breaking multiple sales records. She later co-founded Cali’Flour Foods, which she grew into a multi-million-dollar brand before selling it in 2017 to pursue life coaching. Like Galina, Dana leveraged her background—applying the same strategic and sales skills that led her to corporate success—to support her coaching practice. Her story shows how skills from one field can fuel success in another, offering a reminder to job-changers to lean into existing strengths. A practical takeaway here? Identify skills that supported your past achievements and think creatively about how they could add value in your next field.
2. Identifying Transferable Skills
The key to a smooth transition is identifying which of your skills are transferable. These could include problem-solving, management, or strategic thinking. For Galina, leading teams in the financial industry gave her a strong foundation for managing OK Delivery’s operational challenges. Having managed multiple teams globally, she successfully translated those skills to overseeing a logistics business in foreign markets.
This concept of transferring management and problem-solving skills is something that can be applied in many fields. When considering a career shift, take stock of the capabilities you’ve already developed that can ease your entry into a new role or industry.
3. Build a Supportive Network
Another critical factor in a successful career change is your professional network. The connections you’ve built in your previous field can offer guidance, opportunities, or support in your transition. Galina Pliushcheva didn’t transition alone—she leveraged her connections in the logistics industry to understand the complexities of trucking in the U.S., allowing her to establish OK Delivery on strong footing. Partnering with experienced logistics professionals helped her navigate regulatory and operational challenges, ultimately contributing to her company’s growth.
For anyone considering a career change, relying on your network can help bridge knowledge gaps and provide valuable insights as you transition into a new field.
4. Stay Adaptable and Open to Learning
A willingness to learn is essential for success when shifting careers. Even if you have substantial experience, new industries often come with a steep learning curve. Galina’s success with OK Delivery wasn’t instant—she had to familiarize herself with the intricacies of logistics, a field that differed greatly from her previous experience in financial markets. By staying adaptable and continuously learning, Galina was able to drive her company forward, leading OK Delivery to manage a growing fleet of trucks that services major U.S. routes.
Even as OK Delivery grew, Galina recognized the importance of keeping pace with industry developments. Whether you’re switching to a new field or role, staying adaptable and embracing lifelong learning is crucial to maintaining progress.
5. Conduct Thorough Research
Understanding the new industry you’re entering is another key factor in a successful career transition. Before launching OK Delivery, Galina conducted extensive research into the U.S. trucking industry. She identified opportunities for growth and innovation, especially in terms of cross-border logistics, which allowed her to tailor OK Delivery’s services to meet the demands of a dynamic market. This strategic insight positioned OK Delivery as a competitive player in the trucking and logistics sector, with expansion plans that include a brokerage service and offices in New York and Chicago by 2025.
For those transitioning careers, understanding the industry landscape, emerging trends, and challenges is critical in positioning yourself or your business for success.
6. Be Prepared for Challenges
No career transition is without its obstacles. Moving into a new field requires resilience, especially when facing unfamiliar challenges. Galina’s shift from economics to logistics came with its own set of hurdles, from navigating U.S. regulations to managing a trucking fleet. However, by approaching these challenges with an analytical mindset and applying problem-solving techniques from her previous career, Galina was able to build OK Delivery into a competitive company in the logistics industry.
It’s important to recognize that challenges are part of any transition, but with persistence, they can also serve as opportunities for growth and learning.
Conclusion
Transitioning careers doesn’t have to mean starting over. One can leverage their existing skills, networks, and experience to find success in a new industry. Whether you’re moving into a different field or taking on a new role, the key is to recognize the strengths you’ve already developed and apply them in new ways. With strategic planning, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, you can successfully navigate a career change without losing the progress you’ve made.