I once lived in a world of legal briefs, courtroom arguments, and endless billable hours. Now, I’m a tech recruiter, pairing brilliant minds with cutting-edge companies. Trading my lawyer’s suit for the fast-paced chaos of tech wasn’t a straight line—it was a leap of faith. If you’re dreaming of a career switch, here’s my playbook, forged from my own journey, to help you navigate yours.
Step 1: Your why
Every career change starts with a spark. For me, law was both financially rewarding and a dream job. However, after moving from Iran to Canada, I realized I needed a change. I have always loved technology, and I came across a book titled “What Color Is Your Parachute?” The self-assessment exercises in that book helped me clarify my thoughts. You must ask yourself: Why do I want to make a change? Is it boredom, a craving for purpose, or a pull toward something new? My “why” was clear: I wanted a change that would lead to progress. Find your own reason; it will keep you steady when the road gets rocky.
Step 2: Research like a detective
Jumping into tech recruiting felt like cracking an unfamiliar code. It was truly foreign territory for me. I immersed myself in articles, social media forums, and job listings to decode the role of recruiters and identify the essential skills—such as communication, relationship building, analytical thinking, and adaptability. Choose your field and study its language and nuances; knowledge is your entry pass. While focusing on reliable job boards, don’t overlook the wealth of discussions and insights available on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn.
While focusing on reliable job boards, don’t overlook the wealth of discussions and insights available on platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn.
Lead Talent Acquisition Partner
Step 3: Leverage what you've got
I didn’t toss my years in law out the window; they were my foundation. Skills like dissecting complex arguments, negotiating deals, and reading people translated beautifully to recruiting. It’s important to slow down and consider all your transferable skills—you likely have more than you think. That law degree sharpened my ability to listen and persuade, which I now use to connect coders with UKG. Take stock of your past experiences—whether in customer service, writing, problem-solving, or any other area—and map those skills to your new path. Those transferable skills are your competitive edge. Tools like O*NET OnLine, Codility, HackerRank, Pluralsight, and Skillshare can help you identify and develop these skills further.
It’s important to slow down and consider all your transferable skills—you likely have more than you think.
Lead Talent Acquisition Partner
Step 4: Fill the gaps
Tech recruiting demanded more than my legal toolbox could offer. I didn’t know anything about Java, Python, or what Spring Boot was, so I hit the books and scoured the internet. While YouTube helped me grasp tech basics like APIs and cloud computing, I enrolled in multiple online courses and returned to school to get a graduate degree to set myself up for success. I also networked extensively, connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn and attending local tech meetups. If you’re looking to upskill yourself within your current organization, find out what benefits they offer to support you in your journey. At UKG, we provide tuition reimbursement, reimbursement for achieving career-related certifications, and access to LinkedIn Learning courses which allow employees to enhance their skill sets. Identify your gaps, then fill them with both formal learning and real-world conversations. Remember, progress beats perfection.
Step 5: Take the plunge
Here’s where it got real. Quitting law felt like stepping off a cliff. I rewrote my resume to highlight my people skills instead of my courtroom victories, pitched myself as a fresh-eyed problem-solver, and faced plenty of “no’s” before landing my first tech recruiting role. You’ll need that same grit. Apply relentlessly, refine your story, and don’t fear the stumbles. Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn became my hunting grounds. Set alerts for your target roles, apply quickly, and track what works. That’s where my first “yes” came from, and I still remember the rush of that moment—it was proof that I’d cracked the code. Your plunge might feel messy, but it’s the only way forward.
My job change transformed me. It required soul-searching, late-night research, and a willingness to bet on myself. Was it scary? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Every second. Wherever you’re aiming—be it tech, art, teaching, or something else—this playbook can light your way. Remember, these resources aren’t magic; they’re tools I either used or wish I’d known about. They’ll help you turn curiosity into action. Find your “why,” dig in, leverage your strengths, bridge the gaps, and take the leap. Your career’s next chapter isn’t just a dream; it’s a plan.
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