Over many years at Google I heard from reporters and editors looking for a way out. They wanted to change careers, but they were struggling to figure out how they’d use their skills anywhere else. If that’s you, these conversations may help you think about your talents in new ways. 

I’ve also been inside a lot of organizations, private and public sector, who desperately need many of the skills a good journalist has. They don’t know what they’re missing. If your firm needs better communications and analytic resources, these interviews are for you, too. You’ll meet former journalists who wanted to be part of something new, and repurposed skills you may not even know about to serve other industries. Figure out how to work with them, and you can realize a lot of value. 

Journalists have a range of skills that most companies need desperately. They have cultivated extraordinary networks. They know how to simplify complexity. Writing for an audience makes anyone a better and more empathetic communicator. Journalists get good at reading people. They can welcome counterarguments, and are unafraid to wonder if they’re wrong (a valuable skill sorely lacking in most organizations.) Some are specialists in arcane fields, while others have learned to read financial information or regulations for their real-world implications. Lots are creative, and fun to have around.

The typical default career change for a journalist is Public Relations, more likely at an agency than in-house. In a time when all companies need a media presence, and most still struggle with telling their story, PR is an excellent place for reporters to bring their talents, but it’s hardly the only new career. In these conversations you’ll find people who have been in executive search, researching for hedge funds, forming education startups, marketing venture capital, and creating new types of media. 

Let’s face it: I wouldn’t have had all those calls from reporters looking for a change if the Journalism industry wasn’t in such a tough place: layoffs, cutbacks, little future security. I got more calls as the years at Google went on. 

I’m the third generation in my family to work in Journalism, with people on both the reporting and business sides. I know the inestimable value of Journalism – plus I had more fun than anyone should be allowed. I take zero joy in current events. But I also know that a reporter’s first job is to try and see things as they are, then give people helpful ways to think about that.

A final note: Like many estimable pursuits, Journalism can be hard to leave. The camaraderie is strong, there’s lots of adrenaline-filled moments, and it’s a very romantic calling. Many of the people I’ve interviewed talked frankly about the emotional dimension of moving on, and for their candor I give my thanks and admiration.