Q OUR economy has been doing well for some time, and it has been reported in the media that the retail industry, especially the high-end luxury goods sector, has seen a marked increase in the volume of business. It is expected that this trend will continue for some time.
I am a female university graduate in my late 30s and have been in the manufacturing industry for many years. I am a supply chain manager at an American multinational company. My career interests seem to be changing and I am wondering if retail would be a good alternative. How long do you think the good times being experienced by the retail sector will last?
I like meeting people and being of service to others - especially when I am able to exceed their expectations. For instance, I give back to society by contributing my time to children's homes.
What do you think are my chances of a successful career switch to retail? Am I past the age for making such a switch?
I am single and do not have any major financial commitments as I live with my parents, who are both retired from full-time employment. However, I am financially supporting two younger siblings as they finish up their university education.
I would be interested in pursuing a role in either customer relations or indoor sales, especially in the high-end fashion products sector.
A BEFORE you make any decision or do anything, do explore fully the reasons you are experiencing this change in your career interests. Are you satisfied that your interests have truly changed, or are there other factors involved, such as the company you are now with, your bosses, colleagues, income levels and so forth?
In managing your career, remember always to go back to basics, so ask yourself: What are my core interests?
Since you have not been exposed to the retail sector before, it will be hard for you to tell if you will enjoy working in that space. You did say that you enjoy meeting people and being of service to others. However, being paid to be of service to others might be quite different from putting in time at charitable organisations on a voluntary basis - a point you probably have considered already.
At this stage in your career, you have to be a little more sure of what you want before you take the plunge. I recommend that you speak to as many people as you can in whatever industry you're interested in, read up on it and find out as much as possible. Only when you are quite sure should you try to make a career switch.
On the issue of your chances, it will not be a piece of cake, but it should not be impossible. Much depends on how you market your transferable skills and sell yourself during the job search process.
The retail industry, like most sectors, will go through cycles. It will experience ups and downs, but exactly when the next down will come is anybody's guess. Given the rather positive outlook for the economy right now, the good times might last a while longer.
However, having said this, I feel you should not put too much weight on the state of the market in making decisions about a career switch. You should first and foremost focus on your interests and potential personal satisfaction levels.
Paul Heng
Founder
NeXT Career Consulting Group, Asia
Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. E-mail questions to a1admin@sph.com.sg.
