Dear J.T. & Dale: I’ve been working as an administrative assistant for the past 10 years after receiving my college degree in business with a concentration in procurement. I was unable to obtain a position in my degree field because of a lack of experience. I’m hardworking and easy to get along with, but the company I work for does nothing to boost its employees’ morale, and there is no room for advancement. I want to leave the secretarial/administrative profession all together, but that’s all the experience I have. I would love to work as an exhibits specialist or researcher for a museum that specializes in Ancient Egyptian studies. Advice? – Beth

Dale: First off, let’s step back and consider your experience as a cautionary tale. You couldn’t find the exact job you wanted out of college, so you took an administration job to pay the bills. Makes sense. But then, before you knew it, 10 years had gone by. You might not be able to leap into the perfect job, but you have to always be positioning yourself to move closer. Never settle for an “it’s a job” job; settle for an “it’s a step” job.

J.T.: And from where you are now, the next step is looking into a career with a museum by making an appointment with the head of a museum of the appropriate type, or the person in charge of hiring. This is the fastest and most effective way to learn what it is going to take to make your desired career a reality. Besides learning how to get into the field, you also get to assess if the career is what you truly want to do long-term, all while letting you network. Thus, it’s a job hunt three-fer, the best way to find an entry-level job in the field.

Dale: The hard truth is that after a decade as an administrator, you are stereotyped. You might find the only step open to you is an administration job in a museum. That’s OK, as long as you let everyone know your goal, and you search for managers who’ll encourage your dream and want to be a part of your success story. Then, at least once a quarter, assess your progress and make sure you’re moving closer to your goal. That’s the way you become unstoppable.