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Dean Johnson
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Material Handler at Aerotek

Advice for changing careers

Any advice for a 45yo male looking to get out of the light industrial field and into an office setting? Very comfortable with computers to the point where I can build my own from the ground up with fair keyboard skills. 10 key is a little rough, but thats mainly because I never have had much need to build it up.

Been doing warehousing for so long that it seems to be the only thing people see in me anymore, rather than my office skills.

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over 8 years ago
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Richard Gaumer
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Care Giver

After reading the response's they are telling you to get back to school.

8y
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Briceo Logano
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Dean: there are many office jobs. Pull up some local open jobs and review the job requirements and skills. Do you have these skills or most of them? If so, start applying for the jobs and moveforwards, just tell employers you are lookingto work in “x” whatever the job/ industry is. There are certificates in office skills at local junior colleges and adult schools, if needed. Best of Luck.

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Ana Martinez
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Dean, First you need to determine what type of opportunities you are looking for or interested in, in an "office setting." What type of job titles are you interested in or what do you think a job title would closest match what you are looking for? What type of industry are you trying to transfer your skills over to in an "office setting"? Are you trying to stay in same industry and transfer your soft skills to an office setting?

I ask these questions because you should have an idea of what interests you. I see you have warehouse experience and being able to build a computer (with "fair" keyboard skills). The building of a computer would be more technical (to me), but if you have "fair" keyboarding skills does that just mean that you don't type as fast or does that have anything to do with software skills? Most office positions will require you to have knowledge and skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Depending on the company, they may also like to see other software you have knowledge in. Some companies have software tailored to the job functions they do and will train you on that particular software.

I've been in your shoes before. I used to work as a research Chemist and Field Engineer because I have a background in Chemical Engineering. After working in that field for a while, I wanted a change and sought out to get a Project Management degree. I did not get very many PM positions because I didn't have that experience. So I tailored my resume to the job I WANTED. I have 2 resumes a business and a scientific resume. I tailored my resume to my business degree and changed my bullets on my resume (with the same companies I worked) to reflect the business support I performed in those particular jobs I worked.

You don't have to go out and get another degree like I chose. What I'm saying is, Tailor your resume to the jobs you want. Think about what particular administrative functions you performed in those jobs held over time and change up your resume to reflect that. I would think that with the little bit of information you provided on your background skills, you would be good (in the same industry, because you have that knowledge) in a scheduling position, at least that is what comes to mind.

Hope that helps. Best of Luck!

8y
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Delisa Hall
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Behavioral Therapist at Delta T Group

If you dont have the necessary experience stated within your resume, my advice is to volunteer somewhere once a week. Maybe you can research an OJT( on the job training) and be paid.

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John Guertin
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I think that you should just keep looking for something which utilizes your computer acumen skills and promote the side of you that you know you have outside of warehousing. Always put your sincere job needs in God's hands through prayer and good selfless daily living and He will lead you-TRUST HIM! Shalom

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Gail Hatcher
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Caregiver at Self Employed

First start working on keyboard skills. Get a old keyboard and a timer and every day practice for thirty minutes a day to familiar with your keyboard or even take a class office skills then start applying for some office positions. Go for it and trust GOD do do the rest.GB

8y
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Anna S. August
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Tax Administrative Specialist at Ernst Young Us Llp

Just keep your sights on what you want and don't let anyone talk you down.

8y
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Shelly Steele
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Cna at Reform Presbyterian

Do whatever you want to do if you want to do the office put in for it .Don't give up what you like to do for no one else. As long u can provide for you everybody else will be happy for you

8y
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Kristine Dulski
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Operations Analyst

Look at your functions in a different way. I went from fast food management to office. We adjusted the accomplishments by wording them differently. It is possible. Take a look at job descriptions of positions you want. Maybe even talk to people,currently in those roles. You just need to find a way to sell it

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Dean, With so much experience in the warehouse industry you probably have discovered many problems within the industry. Pick one and solve it. While I admire the fact that you can build a computer the skill is not in demand. I would learn some basic coding. Go to www.alison.com. They have tons of free learning courses. If you are into hardware the Raspberry Pi program is good. Getting back to problems you have the ability to start a side business or even your own consulting firm. You can also find something you have skills at and have a passion for and create your own job based on that doing something digital. They are fairly simple to set up things like e-commerce or digital marketing. You can also create a blog of something you have knowledge of. This takes a while to get going but you can build it up while you are working in the warehouse. This way you don't have to risk anything and when you have a side gig it may make your work more palatable.

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