Apply Yourself, Not Your Credentials

I put out several applications when looking to transition from law enforcement. The one that landed me the job was for a marketing position. I have no degrees or even any training in marketing. But the company had a mission that aligned with my values and served clientele in my wheelhouse. The application got the resume in front of the right eyes to be considered for the value I could bring.

Marketing was not the job offer I received. Instead, I was offered a role in account management and client success. A field I also did not know very much about. But it was working with law enforcement clients, training, troubleshooting, and forging partnerships. Nearly two years later, I am still learning every day, but I am a professional in the field. I'm helping others learn about the industry and helping connect the dots to their future success.

Find the company that matches your mission. Find a purpose you can get behind. Apply and take a chance. Demonstrate your skillset and what you can bring to the table. If I had said I had no experience in marketing, it's not worth the effort to apply, I'd probably be asleep right now in preparation for a Saturday night shift.

You have value. You have knowledge. You have worth. Go find someone who will take a chance on it. When they offer the job, work your tail off from day one to learn and grow. There's plenty of work out there, but you'll never land anything if you put yourself in such a small box that everyone overlooks it.