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Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

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Hi everyone,

I’m a professional with a background in business development, process improvement, and CRM implementation. For over seven years, I worked in leadership roles, streamlining operations, leading teams, and designing custom CRM systems tailored to organizational needs. Recently, I decided to pivot toward technology-focused roles, specifically in CRM systems, data analytics, and automation.

Over the past months, I’ve been actively pursuing roles in technology-driven fields, even completing training in Power BI and SPIN selling and gaining hands-on experience with Lean methodologies and process optimization. While I’ve received positive feedback in interviews about my strategic mindset and resourcefulness, I’ve also faced rejections due to lacking certain technical expertise. For example, a recent role required advanced logic and programming skills, which I’m now working to build.

At the same time, I’ve rejected offers outside of the technology space to stay aligned with my goals. While I’m proud of this focus, I’m at a crossroads about whether to:

1. Double down on a niche technical skill (e.g., Salesforce, AI analytics).
2. Broaden my target roles to include business-focused positions with some technical overlap.
3. Consider interim roles that help me transition more gradually into the tech space.

I’d appreciate advice on:

How to balance staying focused on my long-term tech goals while ensuring I find the right opportunities now.
Which technical skills or certifications (e.g., Salesforce Administrator, Low-Code Platforms, AI Analytics) might be most impactful given my background.
Any strategies for transitioning into tech roles from business roles—what has worked for others?

Here’s what I bring to the table:

* Proven leadership in business processes and team management.
* CRM design and implementation experience.
* A data-driven mindset and familiarity with tools like Power BI.
* Strong interest in learning and growing in technology-related roles.

If anyone has been through a similar career pivot or works in technology, I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post. I truly value any guidance or insights you can share.

Topic

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

i don’t have similar experience but i can judge about your experience why u stuck you have alots of experience and you can do many things keep focus on your goals and struggle for them.

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

You’re on the right track by focusing on tech roles and developing new skills! Given your strong background in CRM and process improvement, diving deeper into Salesforce or AI analytics could be a great way to build on your expertise. I’d suggest balancing your focus by aiming for roles that mix business and tech skills to bridge the gap. Interim roles are also a smart way to transition more smoothly. Keep pushing forward—your experience will definitely set you apart!

[domainesia]

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

To balance your long-term goals while securing the right opportunities, consider interim roles that bridge your business expertise with tech applications—such as tech project management or roles that involve implementing CRM systems with a tech twist. You might also explore technical roles that allow you to leverage your existing skills, such as CRM consultant positions that require both business and technical expertise.

• This reply was modified 2 months, 1 week ago by domainesia.
• This reply was modified 2 months, 1 week ago by kees_b.

Advice on Transitioning from Business Development to Tech Roles

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

Hi there!

It’s great that you’ve already taken steps to learn and gain hands-on experience in the tech space, especially with tools like Power BI and Lean methodologies. That’s a solid foundation for your transition into technology.

To answer your questions:

Balancing Long-Term Goals with Current Opportunities: It’s definitely challenging to stay focused when you’re transitioning, but finding the right balance between short-term and long-term goals is key. You don’t need to dive straight into a technical role. Look for hybrid roles that align with your business expertise but also allow you to grow your technical skills, such as Business Analyst, CRM Specialist, or Product Manager. These roles allow you to leverage your leadership and CRM experience while gradually building your technical skills.

Technical Skills and Certifications:

Salesforce is a fantastic choice, especially with your CRM background. A Salesforce Administrator certification would open many doors in the tech space, as it’s one of the most widely used CRM platforms.
AI Analytics is a growing field, but it’s likely to require a deeper understanding of data science or machine learning. Since you’re just starting out, it might be more beneficial to focus on certifications in Data Analytics or Business Intelligence, where tools like Power BI are highly relevant.
Low-Code Platforms (e.g., Mendix, OutSystems) could also be a great fit for someone with your process optimization experience. These platforms allow for rapid development without needing extensive coding knowledge, and they’re in high demand in the tech world.
Strategies for Transitioning into Tech:

Hybrid roles that blend business and tech could be the perfect stepping stone for you. Positions like Product Owner, Customer Success Manager, or Business Systems Analyst could allow you to stay close to the business side while working with technical teams and learning more about the tech behind your work.
Networking is vital in a career transition. Join tech-related communities, attend meetups, and connect with people in roles you’re interested in. This can help you learn about job opportunities and understand the skills in demand.
Consider temporary or contract roles in tech. These can provide you with the chance to gain experience without the pressure of a full-time commitment, while still building your skills and expanding your network.

Feeling Stuck in Career Transition

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

Extensive experience in business development, process improvement, and CRM implementation.

Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

Hi Stoyan,

It sounds like you’re making a thoughtful transition into tech, leveraging your business development and CRM experience. To balance your long-term goals with current opportunities, consider roles that mix business strategy with technology. Salesforce Administrator and AI analytics certifications could be a great fit given your background. Many professionals successfully pivot by starting in roles that allow them to gradually expand their technical skills. Additionally, exploring tech opportunities within industries like real estate, where technology is rapidly evolving, might provide a great balance. Best of luck in your transition, and feel free to reach out for more insights!

[naturesquest9]

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

Career transitions can be challenging and overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It’s great that you’re seeking advice—sometimes, a fresh perspective can make all the difference. Remember to focus on your strengths, explore your passions, and consider what truly aligns with your long-term goals.

• This reply was modified 2 months ago by naturesquest9.
• This reply was modified 2 months ago by naturesquest9.
• This reply was modified 2 months ago by kees_b.

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

Hi Stoyan,

It sounds like you’re in a really exciting phase of your career, and it’s great to see you so focused on aligning with tech roles. Based on your background, I’d suggest the following:

1. **Focus on a Key Technical Skill:** Since you’re already familiar with CRM systems, Salesforce could be a great choice as it’s widely used across industries. Becoming a Salesforce Administrator would give you both a solid technical foundation and align well with your background in CRM implementation.

2. **Broaden Your Target Roles:** Given your leadership and process improvement experience, roles like Business Analyst, Product Owner, or even Project Manager with a tech focus might be a good fit. These positions often value a combination of business acumen and tech knowledge, which could provide a smoother transition.

3. **Interim Roles for Transition:** Consider exploring contract or project-based roles in CRM management, business analysis, or process optimization that are in a tech setting. This could allow you to gain more exposure to technical teams while leveraging your existing skill set.

4. **Certifications & Learning:** Apart from Salesforce, low-code platforms like **OutSystems** or **Mendix** could also be a great addition to your skillset, as they allow for quicker development without deep coding knowledge. Additionally, **Power BI** certifications or **SQL** could help you stand out in data-driven roles.

As for transitioning, I’d recommend connecting with people already in the tech space, either through networking events, LinkedIn, or even industry-specific communities. Sometimes having a mentor who’s navigated a similar pivot can really help.

You’re already on the right path with your training, and staying focused on gaining the right skills while keeping an eye on relevant opportunities will definitely pay off. Good luck with your journey!

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

For transitioning, look for hybrid roles that blend business strategy with tech skills to ease your entry into the tech space.

Reply To: Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

In reply to Feeling Stuck in Career Transition – Seeking Advice on My Next Steps

Your career transition strategy is already strong—sticking to tech-focused roles while upskilling is a smart move. Here are some suggestions to refine your approach:

Double Down on a Niche Skill – Specializing in a high-demand area like Salesforce (Administrator/Developer), AI analytics, or workflow automation (Zapier, Power Automate) can give you a competitive edge.

Leverage Your Business Background – Instead of pure technical roles, consider business analyst, solutions consultant, or RevOps positions, where your CRM experience and process optimization skills are highly valued.

Certifications That Matter – Salesforce Admin, Data Analytics (Google, Microsoft), or Low-Code/No-Code platforms (Appian, OutSystems) can bridge your experience with tech demands.

Strategic Transition – If purely technical roles are a hurdle, an interim hybrid role (e.g., CRM Consultant, Product Owner in tech, or Technical Account Manager) can help you gain experience while staying aligned with your long-term goals.

Your leadership, CRM expertise, and data-driven mindset are huge assets. Keep networking, showcasing how your skills apply to tech, and consider hands-on projects to solidify technical expertise.

[Author]

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