I'm an Account Manager in Financial Services - in what other sectors can I use my skills?

ShiftDoctor answer

By Helen Slingsby on 28 June 2008 at 11:46

How right you are to think laterally about your future and your skills set, although I wouldn't completely rule out financial services just yet as you have significant experience of this world and it could act as a springboard to other roles in the future.

For example: how about moving within the sector but in another field? Break down your skills and how they are marketable to other areas of the financial world. In this climate, hard-pressed banks are desperate for savings so what could you offer to this arena? Answer; analytical brain, management skills, position of responsibility, judgement and experience of allocating funds to clients etc. This type of role might be a good stop gap whilst thinking about the options.

Alternatively, if you are an account manager, how about applying for general account management roles? Presumably you are good at managing relationships and dealing with people so ask yourself what sectors are growing and need someone of your calibre. Is it worth looking at the energy and energy conservation domain perhaps?

You ask how employers view people from unrelated industries. This depends largely on the sector , however, anything you can do to make the prospective employer's job easier is going to get you through the door. When applying for jobs make sure you highlight your key skills and achievements both in the CV and covering letter and demonstrate how you have done similar functions and could easily make the transition. Think of general examples of where you have demonstrated leadership, creative thinking, organisational , management and planning skills and highlight them.

Good luck!