## Meet Neil

by Caroline Jones

[Success Stories](/content/blog/success-stories/index.html) 10 min read

## Meet Neil: from Business Development in Aviation to Manager in Media/Marketing

**Location:** London, UK

**Current Position:** New Business Manager for a Media/Marketing Agency

**Previous Job:** Business Development Manager in Aviation

### When did you make your career change?

I had been looking to change career direction for a while, probably around 18 months. I was finally offered this new role in March 2021.

### What prompted you to change your career direction?

I was finding the aviation industry very stagnant and then when Covid happened it meant that my role was no longer viable.

I had thought for a long time that I would like to work in a more creative field as I had also worked in London as a DJ for many years and felt that working in a media/creative industry was more progressive and more in line with my own beliefs.

### Did you know what you wanted to move into?

I had a selection of options that I was looking at. One was working in the music industry. Another was using my new coding qualification from an Open University course that I had undertaken. And a third option was to fan out further to work in the marketing/music industry where I had completed some other courses.

### How did you go about your search?

I did two key things. I contacted companies that were the right culture for me and my target market.

But I also prioritised my job search by looking at vacancies that really interested me. I came up with a traffic light system and I would categorise roles into Green, ones to go for, Amber will be harder to go for but I would apply for these after the green roles, and Red was the hardest to get but I would apply for these after I had completed Green and Amber.

### What obstacles did you face along the way?

The biggest obstacle to getting into the creative industry for me was not having agency experience in marketing/media.

### What support or help did you receive while changing careers?

I found using Stay Nimble was really helpful. I worked with my coach, Caroline. Together we worked through prioritising my time and making sure that my CV mirrored the job specifications. We also carried out a mock interview together on the role that I was successful in and was offered.

### Do you feel like you made the right decision?

Yes, I am very happy. This new role and direction gave me the opportunity to work in the creative industry which is what I wanted. Also, I now have a great work/life balance as I am working closer to home.

### What skills do you expect to be transferred between your job roles?

I am most definitely using my relationship-building skills as these were key in my successful career in the aviation industry. Also, the role that I came from was business development and my new role is in business generation. For me, the key aspect is that I have been able to move into a new arena that I am both interested in and am keen to grow in.

### What are your future career goals?

I really want to build a career with my new company and give it 110%. However, I am also a DJ, so I am looking forward to London opening up after Covid and being able to re-start the party!

### What advice would you give someone looking to make a career change?

Investigate people who are currently working in the roles you desire (via LinkedIn and other platforms) and reach out to them. The majority of people I found were happy to explain their career path and give advice.

Also, if circumstances allow, consider embarking on courses to gain the required skills for your new career. An up-to-date course on your CV sends the message that you are proactive.