This episode of The Standout Jobseeker provides a real-life example of making a career change and offers actionable advice on creating opportunities, standing out, and preparing for success. Shawn Gerard shares his personal journey of switching to emergency management despite a different background, emphasizing the importance of networking, continuous learning, and leveraging tools like generative AI. Practical tips include tailoring resumes to improve application quality, using interviews as learning experiences, and recognizing transferable skills. The conversation also underscores the significance of being open-minded and proactive in professional growth.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: Making a Career Change
00:12 The Revelation: Deciding to Change Careers
00:15 Educational Pursuits: University of Denver
00:29 Initial Doubts and Realizations
00:37 Professional Development Enthusiast
00:43 Networking and Its Importance
00:54 Applying Emergency Management Skills
01:07 Innovative Thinking in Operations
01:16 Ethical Decisions and Preparedness
01:30 Learning from Various Sources
01:40 Taking Risks and Facing Fears
01:47 Seeking the Right Culture and Mission
02:06 Interview Strategies and Questions
02:22 Leveraging Generative AI in Job Applications
02:38 Quality Over Quantity in Applications
02:57 The Importance of Being a Good Learner
03:28 Transferable Skills and Continuous Learning
03:47 Unexpected Opportunities and Networking
