While the lack of connections could be a barrier as most jobs are not advertised and a warm referral is orders of magnitude more effective than a cold application, the lack of domain knowledge and experience would be the biggest hurdle I've seen with all the folks I've mentored or managed.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Each industry has its own prerequisites for project management entries. Construction projects are beasts unto themselves. Engineering wants project managers with engineering degrees. Saving Changes...
While you most likely will need some domain knowledge in the new industry, your knowledge doesn't necessarily have to be focused on the products produced in that industry. Big industries include a lot of domains.
One of the ways I have gained a lot of diverse experience is working on enabling architecture. These are the processes and tools used by the teams to develop and deliver the end products. These are things like CAD systems, training programs, support equipment for things like testing, office systems to manage projects, etc.
There may also be a lot of technical domains that are needed for the product like computing, electrical systems HVAC, water and waste, structures, etc. As you lead small projects in one area, you learn about other areas and take on broader projects giving you domain knowledge in multiple disciplines.
Point being, don't think that large industries are only one area of expertise. They are often systems of dissimilar systems and you can bridge between them. Saving Changes...
Latha Thamma reddiSr Product and Portfolio Management (Automation Innovation)| DXC TechnologyMckinney, Tx, United States
