If you are connected to me on LinkedIn you might have seen an exciting update this month! I have started a new position as the Senior Specialist Marketing Strategy at Sally Beauty for the cosmetics, skincare, nails and the professional goods business. I have been at Sally Beauty now for 3 years on the Merchandising side as an Assistant Buyer supporting the General Market, Multi Cultural and Hair Color businesses for the majority of my time with the company. I am so excited for a new challenge in not only a new department but new categories that I have never worked in.

So you might be wondering why I made the decision to switch from Merchandising to Marketing. I have always had a passion and curiosity for how we go to market with new brand launches etc. This curiosity has been present for years, not just my time at Sally Beauty. I was and still am constantly reading books, listening to podcasts etc on these topics and wanted to finally explore this interest in my professional career. My parents can tell you, I used to create my own catalogs when I was little from things I would cut out from the newspaper or magazines. Truly nothing has changed.

I attended the University of North Texas majoring in Merchandising and Minoring in Marketing. Since I left school it has been apparent that I wanted to explore the Marketing side of retail at some point.

So now that you understand why I made this career decision, we can jump into how I was able to make the move in my career.

CONNECTIONS

The most important thing I cannot advise you to do enough is create connections. Wether this be with people you work with in all departments of your current company, or staying connected to professors, peers, past co workers through your career. All of these connections might lead to a new job opportunity at a new company, a job opening in a different department, or a mentorship. Don’t be afraid to reach out and learn from those who you look up to in your industry.

First off creating rapport with people you work with is imperative. You always want to help others in other departments, on your team etc. You never know how those people can help you down the road, or who knows they could become your boss one day. It is important to be that go getter that helps others and can be trusted on any project. You want the word around the office to be positive about you, and not negative that you are not a team player. These relationships can help you form connections and opportunities when they arise. For me I built relationships with those on the Marketing team and when a position opened up it was seamless as they knew my work ethic and who I was as a person. These connections can also come in handy when you leave the company for references or future job opportunities down the road.

Secondly, relationships with people you went to school with or your professors help immensely. I have a professor I have kept in touch with that has championed me since graduation and has provided me endless advice and job opportunities he hears about from his peers. I have also found my peers through school to be so beneficial. We can bounce off job opportunities and connect when interviewing at each others companies. It is always so nice to be able to ask for advice from those who are in the same shoes and levels in the corporate world as you.

HARD WORK

The second most important thing is that you need to show your committed to your job and put in the hard work. Even when the going gets tough it is important to show a positive attitude. Not only this, but if there is conflict come to the table with new ideas and processes. This will show that you are ready for any challenge thrown in your way. Don’t sit back in the shadows, stand up and be a team player that can help lead the team to success in whatever that looks like in your industry. For me I found what my strong suits were in my position and started volunteering to help with projects or be on committees. After doing this for awhile I was recognized as a good source of information and team player. This is vital for your peers to view you in a positive and beneficial light in order to grow within the company.

TRANSITIONING INTO A NEW ROLE

Now you have the role you have had your eye on! Embrace the challenge and new opportunity! I am the pot calling the kettle black on this advice. Being a perfectionist its hard for me to go from a role I mastered in 3 years and having all the answers, to a new department and new role and not have all the answers yet. I mean what do I expect? Rome wasn’t built in a day LOL. It has been such a joy to learn a new position and challenge myself everyday. Confidence is key. Don’t forget how you got to where you want to be and rock that! A new role brings new opportunity and that is probably the most exciting thing.

Aways remember to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Trust me sometimes I have lost that belief when the going gets tough, but in the end it is ultimately your happiness and your goals that you are reaching. Anytime you meet someone that you connect well with, make sure to add them on LinkedIn! You never know when the connection might come in handy:)