Navigating New Industries Like a Pro: 5 Secrets to Quick Success

Switching industries can feel a bit like starting a new Netflix series halfway through—you're not quite sure what's going on, but you're determined to catch up quickly. Over my career, I've switched industries and departments seven times, each move teaching me invaluable skills about adaptation, curiosity, and resilience. These days, I almost laugh when someone doubts whether I'll thrive in a new industry—because I've got my system down to a fine art. Here's my tried-and-true method for mastering a new industry quickly:

1. Shadow the Customer Service Team

   My first major step into Product Management happened at Buyatab, a company specializing in digital gift card solutions. Early on, I shadowed the Customer Service team, observing their interactions, calls, emails, and live chats. During peak seasons—holidays and graduations—I rolled up my sleeves and jumped right into the action myself, handling customer emails. This hands-on experience offered deep insights directly from the customers' perspectives, making my transition smooth and impactful.
   

2. Troubleshoot Internal Inquiries

   When I joined lululemon, shifting from digital marketing metrics to physical product management felt like learning an entirely new language overnight. Terms around allocations and transfers initially overwhelmed me. Tackling internal inquiries via ServiceNow tickets became my crash course. Each query taught me about departmental workflows, processes, and challenges. My team's support was crucial—they reviewed my responses and provided guidance, rapidly accelerating my learning curve.
   

3. Attend a Conference / Convention

   Nothing immerses you in an industry faster than attending a relevant conference. In my first week at the British Dental Association, I found myself at our annual dentistry convention in Manchester. By exploring the trade show, attending specialized talks, and casually tuning into industry conversations, I gained immediate context about key players, trends, and pressing issues. It felt like a whirlwind, but there truly was no better initiation.
   

4. Support a Cross-Functional Project

   After you've settled into your primary role, broaden your horizons by joining a cross-functional project. At Aritzia, engaging with a retail-focused initiative expanded my understanding beyond marketing. Collaborating closely with retail teams exposed me to the intricacies of store operations and training. It deepened my appreciation for all departments and revealed how interconnected our roles truly are.
   

5. Talk to Your Colleagues

   In tourism, I discovered a goldmine of industry expertise simply by chatting with colleagues. Given tourism professionals tend to build lengthy careers, my coworkers at Tourism Vancouver offered decades of valuable insights. Conversations about their previous roles, industry evolution, the Vancouver landscape provided me with a broader perspective that no handbook could match.

Switching industries doesn't have to be intimidating—in fact, it can be incredibly exciting and rewarding. The key lies in embracing curiosity, staying open-minded, and proactively engaging with people and processes. With these steps, you'll soon move from feeling like an industry outsider to confidently contributing as an insider. So, go ahead, dive into that new industry head-first—you've got this!