Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a career that’s not fulfilling? Maybe you’re a mechanical engineer who’s been working in industrial project management for years, but you’re itching to make a change to the digital world. You’re not alone. I was inspired by a Reddit post from a mechanical engineer who’s trying to pivot to a digital career, and I want to share some insights that might help.
The Struggle is Real
The engineer, who’s been working in the industry for 10 years, is feeling the stress and long hours of industrial project management. They’re looking for a change, but they’re not sure how to leverage their skills in the digital world.
The Silver Lining
The good news is that this engineer has already been building a portfolio of digital projects on the side. They’ve developed a full-stack enterprise governance platform, a custom ESG reporting application, and have experience with Next.js, TypeScript, Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Supabase, and OpenAI APIs.
The Questions
The engineer is asking the right questions: how do I brand myself to avoid being dismissed for not having a formal ‘Software Engineer’ title on my resume? What roles should I target? And what companies would value my ‘industrial + digital’ profile?
The Answers
To brand yourself, focus on highlighting your unique strengths as a ‘hybrid’ professional. You bring a unique perspective to the digital world, with your industrial expertise and experience in project management. Don’t be afraid to showcase your portfolio and the value you can bring to a company.
As for roles, Technical Product Manager (TPM) is a great fit, but you might also consider Solutions Engineer, Platform PM, or Digital Transformation Consultant. These roles will allow you to leverage your industrial expertise and digital skills.
When it comes to companies, look for B2B SaaS companies that serve the industrial or manufacturing sectors. Large consultancies like McKinsey or IBM might also be a good fit. And don’t forget about FinTech companies that serve the industrial sector.
The Takeaway
Pivoting to a digital career takes courage, but it’s possible. Focus on building your portfolio, highlighting your unique strengths, and targeting the right roles and companies. You got this!