Five Lessons I have learned when Moving from The Social Sector to Hi-Tech.
Let’s admit it. Stepping out of your comfort zone is not the right thing for everybody. It’s almost always a gamble. A risk. But, at the same time, it where the real opportunities are at.
In the past year, this is exactly what I did. I moved from a cozy, family-vibe NGO that is built on ideology, spirit, and social impact, to a high-edge, fast tempo, and lifesaving startup that operates in the health systems.
So, here are the 5 lessons I’ve learned from moving from the social sector to high-tech.
1. Your network is everything. The tech sector is a prestigious and competitive, so on almost every open position, you will find hundreds of candidates. The entry is not easy. You KNOW that you have everything that is needed to succeed in hi-tech, but you don’t have the right lines in the CV. So how can you bridge your real value with your dream work? Use your network and contacts to get job interviews. Personal relationships are an integral part of your professional development and recommendations go both ways, so make sure you develop and maintain a strong network
2. No room for ego. Whether it is justified or not, the social sector does not enjoy the prestige the high-tech world does. So, don’t expect to move to a similar or a higher position on your first job at the-tech. Think about it as an employer: He is willing to take you with almost no relevant experience in the required field, so it makes sense that you’ll start at an entry role. My tip is, don’t let your ego manage you at this point. Even if you were a manager in a small NGO, you need to start from a basic role in your new company to learn their ‘language’. And it takes time, so be ready to work hard, give up your ego and learn. What leads me to the next point:
3. Pick the company and future boss carefully. There are two types of bosses in the world, those who try to fix the things you are weak at, and those who prefer to cultivate the things you are strong at. The second type will ensure your personal development within the company. Do research during the job interview days, through your network or people who work at this company — what is precisely the vibe there. Does the company recognize its human capital and see its employees as individuals with dreams and goals?
4. Start small, grow gradually. The big question is whether to devote yourself to the corporate-life or to work at a small, vibrant startup? It is true that on corporations the title is much more shining, the salary can be higher and the line in the CV is more impressive, yet, it isn’t everything. My recommendation to those who are still in the search is to start in a small (but stable) startup. In those small companies that are gathered around a brilliant idea, there is a diverse and flexible work culture. They are welcoming employees’ ideas, encourage workers to take responsibility and lead initiatives, as well as gaining varied experience in a variety of fields. The opportunity for you to grow in such an environment is high. Much higher than doing so in a massive corporation, with a strict hierarchy and limited room for improvisation.
5. Believe in the company’s message and product. If you’re a “social sector” type of person, the ‘meaning’ and necessity of your work are highly essential for you too. My suggestion will be: choose a company you can identify with their product. Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘perfect job’, but at the toughest moments, the feeling you contribute to a bigger cause or promoting change that will have a significant impact on people’s lives will be there to hold you and wake you up on the next day.
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Use your network and contacts, don’t let the ego manage your decisions, remain flexible and open to new options, even if they’re not ‘what you imagined’. Choose the right company and boss, don’t be afraid to start in a small startup and find a company you can identify with.
There is no one way to move between sectors, and there is no secret recipe for your dream position in the high-tech world.
For me, the most essential principle is to develop, grow, and gain the wealthiest experience as possible right from the start. If you are here for the same reasons, I believe my five tips will help you in your journey from the social sector to the startup life.
