Transitioning careers can be daunting, but for Stephanie Johnson, it was a journey of intentionality, faith, and strategy. From working in the fast-paced world of media and news to stepping into public relations (PR), Stephanie's story is a testament to the power of preparation and seizing opportunities. Her quick leap—from earning $50,000 in news to over $70,000 in PR—offers valuable insights for anyone contemplating a career pivot.
The Decision to Transition
For Stephanie, the shift from news to PR wasn't just about a job change—it was about building a life aligned with her goals.
"I loved working in news, but the cost of living was becoming overwhelming," Stephanie shared. "I wanted more financial security and a better work-life balance. I want to get married and start a family one day, and transitioning to PR felt like the right move for this season of my life."
She credits her decision to being intentional about her lifestyle goals, ensuring her new career would support her aspirations both personally and professionally.
Reaching Out for Help
When Stephanie decided to transition, she knew she needed guidance. After eight years in news, she struggled to translate her skills into a resume tailored for PR roles. That’s when she reached out to career coach Kamara and joined the DCOW Facebook Community.
"I had been in the group for almost two years, just observing from the sidelines," Stephanie admitted with a laugh. "I watched the testimonials, took notes, and finally decided to raise my hand for help."
With Kamara's expertise, Stephanie was able to overhaul her resume, aligning it with the demands of her target industry.
A Swift Transition
The results came quickly. Stephanie reached out to Kamara in late August, landed a job in October, and started her new role in November. Her ability to secure a $20,000 salary increase in less than two months is remarkable.
When asked about her preparation, Stephanie highlighted the importance of research and networking. "I studied the company’s history and their contributions to the community. I also practiced mock interviews with friends and, of course, prayed a lot!"
Stephanie's background in news gave her a unique advantage in understanding PR, and she leaned into her professional network to gain insights about the field.
Why the Transition Was Successful
Stephanie attributes her rapid success to being intentional and proactive. She knew she didn’t just want another job—she wanted a new career.
"I thought deeply about the type of life I wanted," Stephanie explained. "I wanted work-life balance, the ability to move to different states, and financial security. I was strategic in targeting federal job opportunities that would align with my long-term goals."
Advice for Aspiring Career Changers
For those looking to pivot to a new industry, Stephanie offers two key pieces of advice:
Leverage Your Network "If you’re in news or any other industry, take advantage of your connections. Reach out to PR and marketing professionals you interact with. Grab coffee or set up a FaceTime chat to learn from their experiences."
Define Your Goals "Think about the lifestyle you want. Do you need a role that offers work-life balance? Do you want to earn enough to support loved ones? Align your job search with these priorities."
Looking Ahead
Stephanie’s story doesn’t end with her $20,000 raise. With her sights set on continuous growth, she’s confident about what the future holds.
"I definitely think I’ll be making over $100,000 by next year," Stephanie said with excitement.
Her journey proves that with determination, faith, and the right guidance, making a successful career transition is entirely possible.
Celebrate and Learn
Stephanie’s success is an inspiration to many. If her story resonates with you and you’re ready to make a change, Kamara’s team is here to help.
"Like and subscribe, and if you have any questions, reach out to my team below," Kamara encouraged. "We’re here to support you on your career journey."
Congratulations, Stephanie, on your incredible achievements—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
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