2022 Note 6: The Career Change Sponsor

It's not easy to make a career change...especially when you're closing in on sixty. That's what I did about a year ago, and there is no way I could have done it without the support and guidance of a professional sponsor.

My career has been a good one, with various roles where I was able to learn and grow, but I wanted to make an impact on a large organization and feel more fulfilled. That meant big changes: new company, new type of role, and a different industry.

First, I had to convince a potential employer that I had the building blocks of experience to be successful. Then, once I landed the job, I needed to come up to speed quickly and demonstrate that hiring me was a good decision.

The person who hired me knew of my potential because we worked together earlier in our careers. She is the one who envisioned what I could do in this new role. With her sponsorship and her coaching once I got the job, I was able to ramp up quickly and demonstrate that I was a good hire.

One year later, it feels like I've been doing this my whole life (in a good way)! I'm comfortable with the work, love my colleagues, and am hopeful that I will stay with the company until I retire someday in the future.

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and will always appreciate that someone saw my potential to pivot to a new career, opened the door and helped make sure I was equipped to be successful.