Hi Alonzo,

Thanks for writing to us. I’m sorry to hear that your cancer diagnosis temporarily sidelined your professional pursuits, but it’s great that you’re taking time to re-evaluate and think critically about what you want to do moving forward. Many cancer patients and survivors say that their experience has served as a catalyst for change in their lives and are eager to find a job that is more fulfilling personally and professionally.  Since you are currently employed, that should allow you time to reflect and plan how to achieve what you are looking for. Even if you aren’t very passionate about your current job, it allows you the invaluable opportunity to regain confidence as an employee after taking time off for treatment.  You may want to think about setting up information interviews with people in positions and/or at companies that spark interest or passion or researching possible volunteer opportunities with them.  Most organizations have computer/IT needs, so that may be a great entry point to see what working in an organization with your existing skillset would be like. Your current skills are transferable across different sectors, including one in the cancer community.  You can offer these skills and build your resume with volunteering to show future potential employers that you’ve used this skills across various kinds of organizations.  You can also start doing some research (if you haven’t already) on intersections between mechanical engineering and work in the cancer community.

I've sent your question to our career coaches for their insight, but in the meantime I would suggest checking out the following resources to help guide you with next steps:

• Webinar recording on career change: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/career-change
  


• Article on cancer as an inspiration for career change: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/cancer-as-inspiration-for-career-changes
  


• Article on finding meaningful work: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/finding-meaningful-work
  


• Article on job-hunting after cancer treatment: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/job-hunting-after-cancer-treatment
  


• Free resume review service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
  

I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.

A coach will be in touch soon!

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers