Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hitting the Big Time
Just a quick note to my readers. I must have hit the big time with my blog because I now get tons of spam comments. So if you have commented in the past few weeks and didn't get a response, I apologize. I now get "robot" comments all day (and night) long that I have to filter through. Keep those comments coming--I'll get to them soon.
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5 comments:
Hi Amy,
I desperately seeking advice regarding my proposed career change from Investment Banking to the Wine Industry.
I have completed the graduate training scheme at Goldman Sachs and have been with the firm for 3.5 years since graduation. I have received consecutively excellent reviews however I yearn for a role that I can say I am truly passionate about.
I have not formal experience in wine or retail (other than a weekend job whilst at school). I really want to break into an industry that I can foresee a life long career.
I am studying for the WSET level 2 and am scheduled to complete Level 3 by June this year.
I am considering taking the professional qualifications CIPS in the UK in order to market myself as a “buyer” with the ambition of becoming a “Buyer” for an international wine firm.
I know I have all the soft skills and commercial / business acumen that would make me an excellent buyer, but how do I convince a potential employer that I can learn the technical role of the job and become a “wine buff” ?
Any advise on personal branding and career paths in this industry would be hugely appreciated.
Many thanks in advance,
Samantha
Dear Sam,
Thanks for the comment. I think your goal is a great one, and a fairly natural one based on your background. It sounds like you are doing all the right things in regards to getting your certifications.
In regards to how to convince an employer that you have the ability to learn the technical aspect of being a buyer, I think you have to be persistent with your networking to contact the right decision maker who will believe in you. You will also have to prove your dedication to the wine industry--showing that your career change is a real one, not just something you are doing on a lark. This is intangible, but will come across to an employer if it is sincere. Pressing forward with your certifications and your education, both traditional and self-directed, will show your dedication to the wine industry, and bring you that "wine buff" distinction. Hope that helps.
Amy
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your blog! I reference it often as I move forward in the wine industry.
I have been applying for some jobs lately, and I have realized that my cover letter and resume need some HELP. Are there any wine industry resume services that could help me with some ideas?
Thank you and keep up the great work!
Cheers
Catrina
Catrina:
Thanks for the comment. In regards to resources, there is a lot on the web--you just need to do the hunting and then put it to work. Microsoft Word has a lot of templates, which I recommend often. I'll put together a quick post on what might work for you--check out my blog in a little bit. I am not a big fan of cover letters, but know that you should have a well written, and I think concise letter or email message you can send along with your resume submission. College career centers also offer resume review, mock interviewing and resources, so take advantage of them. I think everyone can make their resume themselves, and the work you put into it is much better than paying someone to do it. Let me get that post up. Good luck, and keep me posted on your career moves!
Amy
Catrina,
Just got those ideas on resumes posted. Take a look. I also have gone over resume writing in past posts, so look at my older posts.
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