Insights

Introduction

Pivoting from a mission-driven organization in academia, a nonprofit, or an NGO into a process-oriented organization in industry is about more than just updating your resume.  You also must be prepared to reimagine how you approach your work.  Industry often operates with a different set of rules. You can expect different expectations about how fast you work, how you collaborate, and what success looks like. Imagine a bigger focus on applying your subject matter expertise and business savvy to deliver on a business case and drive value. To thrive in this environment, you need to embrace key mindset shifts that will help you adapt and excel. Understanding and adopting these new perspectives is an important step towards establishing a successful career in industry.  

As you prepare to navigate this new professional mindset, consider these mindset shifts that will help you shift your lens from public service to business strategy:

Adapting to a Business-Oriented Environment: with an emphasis on mission and market. Transitioning from a mission-oriented mindset to one focused on projects, products, and the market involves understanding the market and business goals and how your expertise contributes to them. This requires that you embrace corporate culture and adjust to producing in a fast-paced, goal-driven, highly matrixed environment where communication, collaboration, and adaptability are key to your success.

Recognizing the Value of Public Health Skills in Industry and applying your expertise to cross-functional work. You need to understand and demonstrate how your skills in epidemiology, policy analysis, data science, or research are valuable and effectively communicate how your expertise aligns with internal and external technical and non-technical stakeholders’ needs.

Embracing Change and Uncertainty so that you can seamlessly transition from a workplace that values stability into an innovation-driven sector where change is constant. Success in industry requires comfort with iteration and strategically trying new things to generate new evidence to support fast decision-making. 

Focusing on Strategic Growth and Development by investing in the skills and knowledge necessary for your new role.  Don’t wait for your work to speak for itself; advocate for yourself.  Actively and publicly communicate your value. Use tools like LinkedIn to demonstrate your thought leadership and market yourself.

Conclusion

Embracing these mindset shifts can help you step into an industry role with confidence.  Stay open to new ways of work, learn how to effectively communicate with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and become comfortable with what success looks like, changing your mindset and crafting a new professional identity.  Be confident and curious as you enter and become a leader in industry.  

The Public Health Pivot coaching program is specifically designed to support you in your career transition. We go beyond just rewriting resumes; our focus is on helping you develop the mindset and skills needed to succeed in industry. Throughout the program, you’ll explore the challenges and transitions mentioned while receiving personalized strategies, tools, and guidance to navigate them with clarity and confidence. If you’re ready to reimagine your career, position yourself for growth, and lead with purpose and impact, Public Health Pivot is here to help you make your next move.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re ready to lead with strategy, curiosity, and confidence, Public Health Pivot is here to guide your next move.  Join our interest list to gain early access to the coaching program designed for public health professionals like you transitioning into industry.  You’ll get priority updates and program insights and be the first in line when enrollment opens.

Start building the mindset and momentum for your next chapter. Sign up today.