After 2 years of being a full time entrepreneur, I have officially ventured back into a traditional corporate 9-5. One of the most frequent talking points during my interviews was about my non traditional background. 

Incase you’re unfamiliar here’s the TLDR; version 

• I was a NYC high school English teacher for 11 years. So my official background and bulk of my experience is in education. 
• I pivoted out of the classroom and into the fintech industry, specifically in the marketing sector. (I documented a large amount of that journey here and here – and I definitely can’t forget about here, if you want to catch up) 
• I spent 2 years working for myself and running Millennial In Debt full time. 
• Then in December 2024, I landed another marketing role for a fintech company.

And I’ve documented that entire journey pretty well on my resumé, portfolio and cover letters. And this is why it is such a major talking point during many job interviews. It’s an unusual pathway to their corporate doorstep. 

However, I have faced my fair share of disappointing NO’s from companies that would much rather prefer me to have a traditional background. And it’s not just one particular type of company that is opposed to a non traditional company. 

The conservative Fortune 500s, the start ups, the tech companies, the healthcare companies, small businesses, corporations, non-profits… every industry of every size has a section that just isn’t open to taking a chance usually shy away from giving people a shot that aren’t the cookie cutter employee they expect.     

And I get it, as a business owner you always want the best, most efficient and experienced people on your team to make sure operations run smoothly. But… training and professional development are a thing… in fact recent reports have shown that the global learning and development (L&D) industry is valued at approximately $378 billion (with estimates suggesting it could reach around $402 billion in 2025).

So… if they wanted to they would and could! 👀 But I digress… the fact is in 2025… if you’re looking for a new job I want you to know where to look and how to look to give you the best possible outcome. 

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Easiest Jobs to Pivot Into For A Career Switch In 2025: 

A logistical career pivot will require ingenuity and flexibility. Right now (especially at the beginning of the year and in early Fall) is the perfect time to embrace industries that are thriving and actively seeking diverse skill sets (especially from non-traditional backgrounds).

This non exhaustive list offers a quick breakdown of the easiest industries to transition into with a non traditional background and tips you can use to stand out.  

ICYMI 👇🏾

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1. Tech and Artificial Intelligence

Why It’s A Good Idea:

The tech industry continues to dominate, especially with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a crucial role across various sectors. Companies are looking for talent to develop AI systems, manage data, and apply these technologies to solve business problems. It’s ALWAYS about the bottom line. 

Even if your role may not be the most technical, many companies are looking for someone who can also use AI to support organization, set up systems, project management purposes…etc. Even for creative roles in Marketing, I’ve had to answer a few questions about AI tools that can help streamline the creative process. 

So for all intents and purposes it is a smart idea to familiarize yourself with AI tools that are popular or heavily used in the role / industry you’d like to pivot into. If you’re completely unfamiliar with AI tools, you can take free educational courses on Coursera or Udemy. 

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills to Learn: Basic programming (Python, JavaScript), data analysis, machine learning, and familiarity with AI tools like TensorFlow or ChatGPT. There are a ton of free tools and resources you can use first before you spend any money. 

>> 20 Free Resources To Learn New Tech Skills <<

• Certifications: Consider certifications in AI (e.g., Google AI, Coursera’s AI for Everyone), cloud computing (AWS, Azure), or cybersecurity.
• Leverage Transferable Skills: Problem-solving, project management, and analytical thinking are often mentioned in the job descriptions and during interviews so it is worth adding it to your resume in a thoughtful way that aligns with what they’re looking for. Highlight how your background and experience are perfect to help the company hit target goals…etc. 

2. Healthcare and Wellness

Why It’s A Good Idea:

Much like the education industry, the healthcare industry is one of the few that people consider to be recession proof. We’re always going to have schools, and we’re always going to need healthcare. 

Post pandemic there has been a significant growth in telemedicine, mental health services, and preventive care. Which of course makes sense. The wellness industry is also expanding, with consumers prioritizing health and self-care now more than ever.

BUT what is important to remember when attempting to pivot into the healthcare and wellness industry, unless you have specific certifications or licenses for specific roles. Not everything is going to be accessible for people pivoting from a non traditional background. 

However, healthcare companies do have many roles that aren’t necessarily clinical. 

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills to Learn: Because you’re pivoting with a non-traditional background into an industry that can be very regulated, be sure to highlight your customer service skills as well as if you have any experience in medical billing and coding, or digital marketing. 
• Certifications: Online programs for healthcare administration, fitness coaching, or holistic wellness could be a good idea to look into or obtain to give you a competitive edge.
• Strategic Networking: Connect with professionals in emerging niches like digital health startups or wellness coaching platforms. I definitely suggest using a job search board like Wellfound for health tech startups that may be more open to hiring non-traditional employees wherever possible.  

3. E-Commerce and Digital Marketing

Why It’s A Good Idea:

The digital marketing industry has continued to grow at a rapid pace, with businesses of all sizes seeking skilled marketers and strategists to grow their online presence. Many entry level, and associate level roles in marketing do not usually require specific degrees or specific hard skills. 

I will say – the marketing industry is quite saturated and competitive right now, so if you are interested in marketing pay close attention to the helpful things below ⬇️

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills to Learn: A huge part of digital marketing and e-commerce is going to revolve around SEO. There are free tools / courses that can help you familiarize yourself with basic SEO strategies that you can speak to during your interviews. Social media management, email marketing, and data analytics are other skills you’ll want to familiarize yourself with, especially if you see them popping up on multiple job applications.  
• Tools to Master: Marketing roles tend to have a very heavy tech stack, even at entry level. Familiarize yourself with commonly used project and social media management tools like Sprout Social, HubSpot, Buffer Google Analytics, Shopify, and Canva. Heavy on the Canva! If you are considering looking into social media roles, you’ll want to master editing tools like InShot or CapCut as well as the desktop juggernauts DaVinci, Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. 
• Start Small: If you’ve been applying to a ton of marketing roles and hearing back crickets (especially in the social media space) it may be due to a misaligned background. You can start freelance projects as you start building your tech stack. You can also look into accelerator programs, internships or entry level programs offered from Google to help build your portfolio and credibility.

4. Learning and Development (L&D)

Why It’s A Good Idea:

Like I mentioned earlier, the L&D industry is growing and it’s growing rapidly. Organizations are prioritizing employee upskilling and retention, driving demand for L&D professionals and instructional designers. For my educators looking to pivot – L&D is a great space to start looking into.

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills to Learn: Instructional design, e-learning software (Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate), and curriculum development are going to be your bread and butter when it comes to landing a role as an instructional designer, curriculum designer or learning and development manager. 
• Certifications: Though most L+D roles do not require specific certifications often, it is never a bad idea to have one as a unique identifier of your candidacy. Explore certifications from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) or LinkedIn Learning.
• Highlight Soft Skills: This is another role along with marketing that I highly recommend you create a portfolio that highlights your soft skills as well as the projects you have created / designed. Be clear about the outcomes that you achieved during your training sessions. Other soft skills that are useful to highlight are communication, adaptability, and empathy.

5. Human Resources Manager

Why It’s A Good Idea:

HR managers oversee recruitment, handle employee relations, develop workplace culture, and ensure training and development programs are tailored to employees’ needs. They are responsible for keeping things on the up and up. This is a great career that you can pivot into as it doesn’t often require specific hard skills. 

You will usually need a degree in human resources or business admin, but having experience in management is helpful!   

As a very truthful caveat – because we’re all about transparency over here: HR and recruiters have had quite a difficult time in these last two years with layoffs. So while I recommend it as a viable pivot option, keep in mind the industry (marketing as well) is a bit rocky. 

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills and knowledge: HR managers need to be very well versed in communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll also want to have knowledge of labor laws, problem-solving skills, and analytical abilities. Basically you want to highlight that you are well versed at legally keeping the peace. 
• Certifications: Though you don’t necessarily need any certifications to be an HR manager there are a few from professional organizations that are nice to have. You can look into getting the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

6. Software Developer

Why It’s A Good Idea: 

Out of all the roles / industries mentioned on the list, this one is the most technical. But… it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for you to pivot into. However, it will take quite a bit of ingenuity and hard skills. And if you don’t have these hard skills, you will have to acquire them… if this is a role that you’re interested in landing.  

And before you run to join a bootcamp (which I am absolutely not opposed to) I do suggest dipping your toe into some free training and courses first to ensure that you enjoy it and are passionate about pursuing a career as a software developer. 

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills and knowledge: This role is going to require coding abilities, problem-solving, creative thinking, and knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with software development methodologies like Agile or Scrub, and tools and frameworks like Git, React or Node.js.
• Certifications or Training: some helpful certifications you’ll want to consider getting are AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Azure Developer Associate. To help you prepare for certifications, I highly recommend using Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or Coursera for coding basics.
• Build credibility: You can do this in a few ways when it comes to software  development. You can start with small projects (websites, apps…etc) that showcase your skill set. These can be saved to a portfolio or you can contribute to an open source platform like GitHub.

7. Social Media Manager

Why It’s A Good Idea:

Social Media is a multi-billion dollar industry and one of the easiest ways for brands to get in front of their target audience. As a social media manager you help manage a brand’s online presence, by creating content calendars, monitoring social media analytics, and engaging with online communities. 

My transparent moment with you – it is ROUGH trying to land a creative / social role in this market. But it is not impossible. Pay very close attention to these tips below if you’re looking to land a creative marketing role this year ⬇️

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills to Learn: Familiarize yourself with the basics of content creation and copywriting (especially for a business / brand). It is a bit different from personal content creation. Besides the creative aspect, you’ll want to know how to use analytics tools like Google Analytics, Sprout Social, or Hootsuite.
• Certifications or Training: There are several free courses you can take (my favorite is the Google digital marketing course) to help you learn and understand SEO as well as the intricacies of social algorithms. Besides the Google course, you can also get the HubSpot Academy’s Social Media Certification, Meta Blueprint for Facebook and Instagram advertising.
• Build a Portfolio: Manage social accounts for small businesses or personal projects to showcase results. My portfolio was a game changer when it came to landing more interviews (and doing less take home assignments). 
• Highlight Transferable Skills Through Hands On Experience: Showcase creativity, project management, and communication skills from previous roles. If you are fresh out of college, making a huge pivot or anything in between don’t be afraid to get onto platforms like Upwork or Fiverr that will offer you the opportunity to freelance some hands on experience with short - term contracts that’ll help you build credibility. 

8. Legal Assistant

Why It’s A Good Idea: 

Legal assistants provide crucial administrative and legal support to lawyers, aiding them in various tasks. They conduct research, draft documents, manage case files, and coordinate calendars to keep legal processes running smoothly. They also schedule meetings, liaise with clients and witnesses, and ensure compliance with local laws. Legal assistants play a vital role in maintaining organization and efficiency.

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills and knowledge: Organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and knowledge of the legal system. Legal assistants require familiarity with legal terminology, procedures, and software. The role demands attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations.
• Software: You’ll want to start getting used to tools that help you conduct legal research and technical writing. This will also include softwares like LexisNexis, Clio or Westlaw. Besides traditionally used software, become familiar with organizational and time management tools.
• Certifications or Training: You can earn Paralegal certifications through organizations like NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants).

9. Sales

Why It’s A Good Idea: 

If there’s one position that has been vastly available in the last 5 years – SALES! And I get it, most people do not want to work in sales. It can be a high-pressure role that demands strong interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and a results-driven mindset. It’s not super simple to successfully navigate the market as a salesperson. 

But, sales can be a great step to take to get one step closer to a different role in the industry  (think lateral move) OR move into customer success, a role which often requires some experience in sales. 

I wouldn’t say sales is a secure role –  but I will say with sales experience, you will be likely to have a wide choice of options to choose from when applying to your next role. 

Helpful things to focus on for this pivot:

• Skills to Learn: Sales are really big on customer relationship management, so you’ll absolutely need to learn how to use CRM tools like Salesforce, Hubspot or Zoho.
• Certifications or Training: Sales certifications like Sandler Training or HubSpot Sales will be really useful to familiarize yourself with and speak about on your next interview. .
• Start in Entry-Level Roles: For career growth – just because you start in sales doesn’t mean you stay in sales. As I mentioned just a bit earlier, experience in sales is often a necessary requirement for Customer Success positions. This can help you prepare and plan your next move into a higher paying role. Positions like sales development representative (SDR) or recruiting coordinator can provide a stepping stone as well.

Strategies for a Successful Job Hunt in 2025

I shared the strategies I used to land my most recent 9-5 here, but if you need a quick TLDW; (too long didn’t watch – yet) here’s a quick break down ⬇️

1. Never stop learning: We can get complacent, especially when we’ve been in the same role for a while. In this job market you want to stay ahead of the curve by taking online courses, attending webinars, or pursuing certifications in your target industry. Use platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera offer accessible resources.

2. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn: Tailor your resume to highlight your transferable skills, and ensure your LinkedIn profile is not a ghost town. Even if you don’t post often, make sure your profile showcases your career pivot intentions. Use relevant keywords to appear in recruiter searches. SEO is your best friend!

3. Network with Intent: Leverage professional networks like LinkedIn or industry-specific groups to connect with individuals in your desired field. If you have made a warm connection, ask for informational interviews when the time is right so you can learn more about the role you’re interested in or the company currently hiring. 

4. Highlight Your Transferable Skills: While it is important to make sure you showcase your hard skills, especially for more technical roles, it’s also crucial to highlight your transferable skills that span industries. This can include skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. During your interviews be sure to demonstrate how these skills may be applicable to the new role.

5. Master the Art of Storytelling: This was one of the hardest parts for me during the interview process this time around. When you start interviewing for roles, be prepared to articulate your career history and why you’re looking to pivot. Focus on your “why,” the skills you bring, and how your past experiences align with the new role.

Pivoting to a new industry can be really exciting and unbelievably daunting. Trust me – I spent the first month at my last corporate gig thinking I made a huge mistake. But once I found my stride I was able to succeed – but I had to give myself the time!

Preparation and persistence will be your two strongest tools to successfully pivot and land your next role in 2025.

What industry are you considering pivoting into? Let me know in the comments below. And if you found this post helpful, join my free career development 📧 newsletter! You’ll also get access to my free remote job board. You can sign up here ! 

Until next time, 

M.