Chapter News

After spending eight years at Din Tai Fung, progressing from Runner to Assistant General Manager, General Manager, and Manager Trainer, I knew I was ready for a new challenge. While my experience was rooted in hospitality operations, I realized that much of the work I enjoyed most involved project management. I was leading initiatives, implementing new systems, improving processes, developing training programs, and collaborating across teams to achieve shared goals.

My goal was to transition into a project management or operations focused role where I could apply those skills in a new industry while continuing to grow professionally.

The journey took approximately 11 months.

 

A Lot to Juggle

During that time, I balanced a full time job, PMP certification preparation, volunteer commitments, networking, and countless job applicatio

ns. Like many job seekers, I experienced moments of uncertainty. What kept me moving forward was a commitment to growth rather than immediate results. Every application, networking conversation, interview, volunteer project, and resume revision became an opportunity to learn and improve.

One of the most significant milestones during my search was earning my PMP certification. Beyond validating myproject management knowledge, it reinforced my confidence and reminded me that I was capable of making this career transition. It served as a tangible reminder that every step forward mattered, even when progress felt slow.

 

Practice Helped Me Embrace My Value

As I refined my approach, I realized that one of the biggest opportunities for improvement was how I presented my experience. Rather than focusing on job responsibilities, I shifted my resume and LinkedIn profile to emphasize accomplishments, measurable outcomes, and business impact. I learned to translate my hospitality leadership experience into language that hiring managers could immediately recognize as project management experience.

Instead of simply describing restaurant operations, I highlighted initiatives such as new store openings, technology implementations, stakeholder management, process improvements, cross functional collaboration, and training program development. The work had not changed, but the way I communicated its value had.

 

Every Interview Perfected My Story

When interview opportunities came along, I approached them the same way I would approach a project. I researched each company, studied job descriptions, anticipated questions, and prepared structured examples using the STAR method. Most importantly, I spent time refining my career transition story so I could clearly explain how my background prepared me for project management and operations roles.

What seemed to resonate most with hiring managers was authenticity. Rather than focusing on theory, I shared real world examples that demonstrated leadership, adaptability, problem solving, stakeholder management, and measurable business impact. Storytelling helped connect my past experiences to the challenges organizations were trying to solve.

 

Something Weird but Cool Happened

Looking back, one experience stands out as a powerful reminder that careers do not always unfold according to plan.

I was not selected for the first role I applied for with the company that ultimately hired me. While that initial rejection was disappointing, the recruiter saw 

potential in my background and reached out to let me know about another position that 

would be opening soon. It was one that aligned even more closely with my skills and career goals.

That moment reinforced an important lesson. Sometimes a "no" is not the end of the road. It is simply redirecting you toward a better opportunity.