Shalom Lamm’s Guide to Switching Industries: Making Your Skills Work in a New Career

Switching industries can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—exciting, terrifying, and full of unknowns.

Whether you’re seeking more purpose, better pay, or just a new challenge, transitioning into a new career field is becoming more common—and more possible—than ever before. But the key isn’t starting from scratch. It’s learning to translate your existing skills into a language your new industry understands.

That’s something Shalom Lamm, a successful entrepreneur with experience across real estate, nonprofit leadership, and logistics, knows firsthand. Throughout his dynamic career, he’s not only pivoted industries himself but also mentored professionals navigating major career changes.

“People underestimate how transferable their skills are,” says Lamm. “The trick isn’t getting new experience—it’s learning how to tell your story in a way that makes sense to the people in the room.”

In this guide, we’ll break down how to identify, translate, and communicate your existing skills so you can thrive in a new industry—plus get actionable advice straight from Shalom Lamm on how to avoid common mistakes.

Why People Switch Industries (And Why It’s Smart)

According to a recent LinkedIn survey, over 50% of workers consider a career change at some point in their life. Whether it’s burnout, layoffs, automation, or a simple shift in interests, the days of staying in one industry for 30 years are over.

“The ability to pivot is a competitive advantage,” Lamm explains. “Industries change. Economies shift. People evolve. If you know how to adapt, you’ll never be stuck.”

So let’s talk about how to make that shift successfully.

Step 1: Identify Your Transferable Skills

Your skills are likely more portable than you think. Start by listing your day-to-day responsibilities, and break them down into skill categories. Then, connect the dots between what you’ve done and what your target industry values.

Common transferable skills:

Project management → tech, healthcare, operations
Client relations → marketing, sales, customer success
Data analysis → finance, tech, supply chain
Public speaking → education, corporate training, PR
Team leadership → literally every industry

Shalom Lamm suggests looking at job postings in your target field and comparing their language to your experience.

“You’ll start to see overlaps,” Lamm says. “For example, if you’ve led teams, managed deadlines, or handled budgets—those are universal strengths. Learn how to describe them in your new industry’s terms.”

Step 2: Fill Knowledge Gaps Without Overcommitting

You don’t need another degree to switch careers.

Sometimes a single certification, online course, or hands-on volunteer project can make a big difference. What matters is demonstrating initiative and relevance.

“When I moved into nonprofit work, I didn’t go back to school,” says Lamm. “I learned by doing. I showed up, offered to help, and learned the language of that world.”

Look for:

Free or affordable courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning
Networking opportunities within your target industry
Entry-level freelance or consulting projects

Don’t overinvest in education unless it’s required. Show you can learn fast and apply knowledge in real time.

Step 3: Rewrite Your Resume Like a Translator

Your resume shouldn’t just list what you’ve done—it should highlight how what you’ve done applies to where you’re going.

Shalom Lamm’s resume rewriting tips:

Swap industry jargon for universal language
Use a skills summary at the top to frame your expertise
Highlight results and outcomes, not just tasks
Quantify achievements wherever possible

Before:

“Managed leasing documentation for commercial tenants.”

After:

“Led cross-functional communications and compliance tracking for 20+ commercial contracts, ensuring 100% on-time delivery and legal accuracy.”

“It’s about repackaging,” says Lamm. “You’re not changing who you are—you’re changing how you present it.”

Step 4: Use LinkedIn Strategically

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing recruiters see—make it count.

Update your headline to reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been. If you’re moving into UX design, for example, say:

Aspiring UX Designer | 5+ Years Leading User-Centered Projects in EdTech

Use your About section to tell your transition story:

Why you’re making the change
What strengths you bring
What you’re doing to close the gap

“Own your pivot,” Lamm says. “People respond to authenticity and drive—not perfection.”

Step 5: Get in the Room (Before You Need a Job)

Informational interviews, coffee chats, and online communities are your lifeline.

Don’t wait until you’re applying for jobs to start networking. Reach out to professionals in your target industry early. Ask for insights, not favors.

“Relationships open more doors than resumes,” Shalom Lamm emphasizes. “Even a 15-minute conversation can lead to opportunity.”

Be specific in your outreach:

Mention what you admire about their work
Explain your transition goals briefly
Ask for advice, not a job

And always follow up with gratitude. People remember kindness and curiosity.

Step 6: Practice Telling Your Story

You’ll need to explain your transition—on applications, in interviews, and in conversations. Don’t wing it.

Craft a concise, confident narrative that connects the dots.

Use this structure:

What you’ve done: “I spent six years in sales leadership.”
What you’ve learned: “I developed deep skills in strategy, people management, and execution.”
Why you’re pivoting: “I’ve become increasingly passionate about sustainability and operations.”
Why it makes sense: “My background in scaling teams and analyzing KPIs translates directly into this role.”

“You don’t need to justify your career change,” Lamm says. “You need to show that it’s intentional and aligned with your strengths.”

Step 7: Be Patient but Persistent

Career changes take time. You may face rejection. You may need to take a step sideways before moving up. That’s normal.

Shalom Lamm’s advice: Don’t let a “no” convince you you’re not qualified. Use it to refine your approach.

“A successful pivot is built on small wins,” he says. “Each conversation, each resume update, each interview—those are steps forward.”

Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every connection and application teaches you something valuable.

Final Thoughts: Reinvention is a Superpower

Switching industries isn’t a sign you’re lost—it’s a sign you’re growing.

And with the right strategy, mindset, and message, your past experience becomes your greatest asset in your next chapter.

“Don’t downplay your background,” Shalom Lamm concludes. “Own it, translate it, and show people how it makes you uniquely qualified to solve their problems.”

So if you’re standing on the edge of a new career path, don’t freeze. Jump—with preparation, clarity, and purpose.

Shalom Lamm’s Guide to Switching Careers with Confidence