Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Hi folks! I’m Chrissy Bisceglia. Six months ago, I was 20 years into a career as an engineer and energy systems analyst, looking for more mission-driven work but unsure where my skills would fit. Enter evaluation! I’m now fully employed as an evaluation consultant, helping organizations and fellow consultants make sense of messy data.
Whether you’re stepping into evaluation for the first time, shifting your focus within it, or making a change beyond it, here are eight lessons that may help you navigate your own transition:
List everything you’ve done, I mean EVERYTHING. Mine included facilitation, data analysis, project management, even folding towels (still not sure if that one counts, but it’s on the list). Compare it to roles in your target space, you’ll start seeing overlap fast, and realize you’re not starting from scratch.
Frame your shift as moving toward something, even if there are also elements of running away… quickly. Join groups, show up to events, and start conversations. Curiosity goes a long way, and it helps your transition feel intentional instead of like a sudden identity crisis with spreadsheets.
Forget awkward happy hour networking (if someone doesn’t approach me in ~15 seconds, I’m out). The best connections are usually one-on-one. Reach out to people doing work you’re curious about and lead with genuine interest, not an ask. Most people are generous with their time, the connection itself is the opportunity.
You don’t need all the answers. Be upfront about gaps, then show how you’re working on them, courses, reading, webinars, whatever keeps you moving. Action builds credibility faster than pretending you already belong.
It can be tempting to try to blend in, but your differences are often the useful part. Your past experience shapes how you think and solve problems. That perspective can fill gaps in your new field, so don’t sand it down.
You don’t need a formal role to start contributing. Support a project, shadow someone, or help in small ways. Being a thoughtful “plus one” is one of the fastest ways to learn and build relationships.
Not every opportunity will fit, and not every story will land. Especially in transitions, people may hesitate. That’s not a verdict, it’s just part of the process. Keep going and notice who does respond.
We tend to wait for the big moment, but that’s a long wait. A good conversation, a reply, a new connection, those all count. Celebrate them. They’re how momentum actually builds.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, and also a little weird in ways you don’t expect. Keep learning, connecting, and trying things out. There’s no single “right way.” Each step is moving you closer to the opportunities you want.
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