How do you transition into a new field now that you have received your Master's Degree with no experience in the field?

Hi Melissa,

That is a great question, one that many recent graduates ask! First of all, I want to emphasize that you probably have more experience than you initially think: be it in the form of internships during your studies or in the form of assignments that you have worked on in school. So do not hesitate to draw on these when writing letters and doing interviews. Second, your educational background will be incredibly valuable and theoretical knowledge will help you explain why you want to transition into this new field and will give you a strong basis to excel in your job. Practically, it never hurts to go to networking events in order to speak to professionals in your industry, who might be able to give you more targeted advice.

Wishing you luck with transitioning into this field.

Sophie

Hi Melissa-
One way to get experience in your field is to search for volunteer opportunities that match your degree. For instance, if you are getting a Masters in HR you can offer your services to organizations such as Goodwill who have a client base that may need assistance in interview skills, or dress for success, and you could volunteer to put on workshops. If you are getting degree in finance or accounting you could volunteer those skills to your local faith community, homeless shelter, or any nonprofit in your area.

Any type of experience in your field will be helpful in getting you in the door for your new career. Also, many companies have a focus on being good corporate citizens and encourage their employees to volunteer, so he fact that you have volunteered in itself can be beneficial. Look on the website of corporations you are interested in to see what their volunteer focus is on and see what you can offer that will give you some experience and make you stand out.

Hope this give you some ideas!

Hi Melissa,

I was in your shoes one day and can definitely relate to you. I've graduated with bachelor's and worked for a non-profit organization for about 4 years and then decided to get my master's in human resources (HR). When I graduated with my master's degree, I wanted to transition into corporate world and work for human resources department. I looked for contract and temporary positions in various companies and explained to recruiters that I may not have the experience in HR directly, but my work in non-profit was related to HR and I have received my master's in this area. So, my suggestion is when you write your cover letters and go to interviews, explain how your previous work/internships related to current role and you have master's to back up with your knowledge in that area. I like the idea of networking as it will give you opportunity to meet with people in that area and may give you some more advice or maybe a job! Best of luck!

Hi Melissa,

My advice is to write down the human resource related skills that you have gained from your previous experience in your CV. Furthermore, it would be very good idea to write why you have decided to transit into HR field. This really helps. And it’s definitely gonna let you pass the first recruitment stage of your desired work.