A Career Change Story: From Sports to Law

When it comes to a job search, there are some parts we can control… and others we simply can’t. 

I recently worked with a client who had been job searching for over a year after earning his master’s degree. From the start, I was impressed by how well-prepared he was. His resume needed only a few minor updates, and he already understood the importance of networking. In fact, he was having regular conversations, sometimes daily, as part of his job search routine.

He was smart, articulate, accomplished, and had relevant work experience. And yet, despite all of that, he wasn’t landing offers. In some cases, he made it to the final round, only to hear “no” at the end.

The Limits of Personal Effort

As we worked together, I noticed a few key shifts that ultimately helped him land a great role. The biggest one? He started to get honest with himself about the jobs and industry he was targeting. For more than a year, he had been focused exclusively on the sports industry, which was the field he studied in school, and the one he imagined building a lifelong career in. But despite his efforts, including dozens of conversations and strong connections, the doors just weren’t opening. Even I was surprised his networking hadn’t paid off yet.

I truly believe he wasn’t doing anything “wrong.” In fact, he was doing everything right. But sometimes the roles we imagine for ourselves aren’t actually the ones meant for us, and no matter how hard we push, those doors just won’t open.

Exploring a Better Fit

During our sessions, we explored whether the sports industry was truly the best fit for him. There were many things about it he had always admired. But it started to become clear that the industry wasn’t an ideal fit for his personality and ambitions. The repeated rejections (despite being a great communicator and making it through multiple interview rounds) were further evidence that others in this industry weren’t seeing the value and potential he had to offer.

Eventually, he connected with a recruiter for positions in the legal field—an industry he hadn’t seriously considered before. That same day, the recruiter said, “I have a role you might be perfect for.” Less than 2 weeks later, he had an offer in hand, in a city he’d hoped to move to all along. It’s a big shift for him, but one with incredible growth potential, and in an environment that truly values what he brings to the table.

Trusting the Right Door to Open

What stood out to me most was his resilience and optimism throughout this long process. It was not a forced positivity. He had hard days. But he maintained a genuine hope that something better was out there. And he was right.

If you’re feeling stuck, consider asking yourself: “Is it me… or is this just not the right fit?” Sometimes no amount of extra effort will change the outcome. It may simply mean the door you’ve been focused on isn’t yours to walk through right now, and that another door, more in line with who you are, is waiting to be found.

Have questions? Not sure where to start? I’d love to help! Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with me here.