Any help? I'm still waiting for any support! 

Hi Adam,

Apologies for the delay in responding, we had our National Conference on the 21st so emails and messages from that week are being caught up with now! With that said, thanks so much for reaching out to Cancer and Careers. I will pass along your inquiry to one of our career coaches.

In the meantime, I would recommend becoming active on LinkedIn, if you're not already, and trying to network with those in the spaces you're interesting in moving towards. You can schedule some informational interviews with people who have jobs you'd like to explore, and inquire about what training they participated in as well as the experience they had prior to getting hired. It's not always about what you've done but rather your potential in being able to do the work. If it's about learning a software or code, those are things that you can certainly engage in, in order to make yourself a more viable candidate. 

It may also be helpful to look through some job sites and find listings that sound interesting to you. Look through the job description and the requirements - are they outlining specific certifications or specialties? If so, you can then look further into what it might take to obtain those things. Again, networking will likely yield the most insight and help you figure out the direction you wish to go in.

Please feel free to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org with any questions.

Sincerely,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Adam,

Firstly, congratulations on your diverse career journey and the impressive skill set you've developed across various domains. It's great that you’re taking proactive steps toward finding a more fulfilling career path. I have been recruiting entry level up to Executive Technology professionals for over twenty years.  I apologize for the time it might have taken to respond but I wanted to think this through a bit before responding. 

Here are some tailored suggestions based on your background and interests:

1. Clarify Your Career Goals

   - Tech/Cloud Engineering: If you’re interested in cloud engineering, roles like Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, or DevOps Engineer could be a good fit.

   - Data/BI Analyst: For a more traditional data-focused role, consider positions like Data Analyst, BI Analyst, or Data Scientist.

   - Project Management: If you enjoy overseeing projects, roles like IT Project Manager or Technical Project Manager might align well.

 2. Some potential Certifications and Learning Paths (up to you not recommending anything specific)

 Cloud Engineering:

     - Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: Start with this if you're new to Azure, then move on to more advanced certifications like Azure Administrator or Azure Solutions Architect.

     - AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Another valuable cloud certification that can open doors in cloud engineering.

 Data/BI Analyst:

     - Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A comprehensive program to brush up your analytics skills.

     - Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Specifically tailored for those working with Microsoft Power BI.

 Project Management:

     - Project Management Professional (PMP): Widely recognized and respected in the field.

     - Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Useful if you're interested in agile project management.

3. Leverage Your Current Skills and Interests

 - Build Projects: Start building projects on platforms like GitHub. Showcase your skills in developing Power Apps, SharePoint sites, and IBM Cognos reports. This not only keeps your skills sharp but also serves as a portfolio for potential employers.

  - Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in cloud engineering, data analytics, and project management. Enroll in courses that align with your desired career path.

 4. Network and Join Communities

   - Join Professional Groups: Look for groups on LinkedIn or forums like Reddit where professionals in your desired field share insights and job opportunities.

   - Attend Meetups and Conferences: Engage with communities in your field by attending virtual or local meetups and conferences.

 5. Target Job Titles and Industries

   - Tech/Cloud Engineering: Look for roles like Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, or DevOps Engineer in tech companies or large enterprises undergoing digital transformation.

   - Data/BI Analyst: Target industries like finance, healthcare, or retail that heavily rely on data-driven decision-making.

   - Project Management: Seek out companies with strong IT project management needs, such as tech firms, consulting companies, or any organization undergoing significant IT projects.

 6. Consider a Transition Plan

 - Internships or Part-Time Roles: If feasible, look for internships or part-time roles in your desired field to gain relevant experience that may or may not offer a potential full-time commitment.

- Early Career Programs – Many companies these days offer early career development programs.  “Early Career” does not mean “College Recruiting”, it does not mean hiring right out of school, it means identifying talent early in their careers, maybe 0-2 years of experience and you could be a solid candidate, as you consider changing careers and getting into a more technical role.

Best of luck with your career transition! If you have any further questions or need more specific advice, feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,

Brandon