What, Why, and How: Taking Steps Toward Your Dream Industry
When I quit Apple and was trying to figure out an industry I wanted to specialize in, one major career decision I made was joining an online Venture Capital platform.
As an investment associate, I was able to interact with passionate entrepreneurs from various industries and other VC investors in the ecosystem. It was an invaluable learning opportunity for me to observe market trends, where funding was heading, and crystallize which industry I’d wanted to give it a go based on my personal background and interests.
With my performing arts background, I headed into the virtual & augmented reality industry. Looking back, I jumped into a nascent industry (still very much is), and took a huge leap of faith even when product market fit was nowhere in sight. Oculus VR headsets weren’t commercially available for purchase, developers weren’t ready to jump into creating experiences without heavy subsidies, and it was at the height of its funding bubble in Silicon Valley.
Perhaps I should’ve taken a different route. But I saw immersive tech’s potential then and I still do now - its ability to make meaningful synchronous social moments, provide ways for people to express their authentic identities online, and usher in a new form of creator economy through digital marketplaces. And despite the ups and downs, I don’t regret the decision I’ve made, because it’s led me to places, products, and people that are above and beyond my expectations.
If you’re thinking about taking actionable steps toward finding your industry of choice, consider asking yourself the following 5 questions & researching to start:
What aspects of technology and innovation am I most interested in and why?
What are the current trends and growth areas in the tech industry?
What technical skills do I possess, and which ones am I interested in developing further?
What is my long term career goal, and is my role/department valued in the organization?
What resources and support do I need to succeed? Are there local tech communities, meetups, or online forums where I can connect with like-minded professionals and experts?
*Tip: for #5, it’s all about the small “how’s” – research local tech communities/meetups/online forums you can be part of, conferences you can attend, following notable people in the industry on social platforms and learn from their thought leadership and request informational chats.
By researching and reflecting on these questions, you can gain clarity on which tech industry aligns best with your interests, skills, values, and career aspirations. Additionally, consider conducting informational interviews with professionals in your desired industry to gain firsthand insights and advice!
Wishing you future success,
Janet
