Joel Carbon ⋅ Reston , VA ⋅ 25 years experience

As many have commented, career transitions can be tough, but it can be done. I successfully transitioned from being a health care professional to working as an analyst for national security issues. However, I maintain a current professional license in my prior career as a fall-back position. That said, getting professional certifications in the field (PMP, as mentioned by Tarrance) you're interested in is a positive addition to your resume. You work in logistics-lots of project management-related issues in that area where you could use your management skills as an NCO (my first assignment as an officer was in logistics). It would help your resume and applications by highlighting the results of those management interventions in your specialty. Project management is a crowded field, but if your skills stand out, it will be recognized. Persevere, learn as much as you can, stay passionate, but also be realistic about your expectations. Make a five year plan, establish your career "success" criteria with two COAs and take periodic azimuth checks so you can gauge the results of your efforts in getting to where you want to be.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Tarrance Mosley ⋅ Kennesaw , GA Kennesaw State University ⋅ 7 years experience

I would also consider getting your PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification. Go to http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP.aspx. Having this credential on your resume would definitely increase your competitiveness for those project management positions.

Yvonne Ibelli ⋅ Valhalla , NY ⋅ 7 years experience

Robert,

Networking is one effective way to break into a different field. Join associations within the industry that interests you, volunteer and use social media to make connections. Also, ask friends and family members to see if they have connections that might help you. If you haven't done so already, check to see if the college or university where you completed your degree has a career center because they may be able to assist you with your career change.

Best of luck!

Yvonne

Stephen Sherwood ⋅ Naperville , IL Travelers ⋅ 4 years experience

Changing career paths can be very difficult. If there is a specific company you are interested in working for follow them online, attend any open houses they may have. And like Matthew said, you may have to start towards the bottom or in another role. But the key can be just getting your foot in the door and then moving into the position you want. And starting at the bottom isn’t always a bad thing. It gives you an opportunity to learn the company from the ground up. Plus, given your background, climbing the corporate ladder can happen faster than you think.

Also, having a little patience will go a long way too. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your ideal job by next week. It could take some time.

Good Luck!