We could quickly cut to the chase and say that virtually every skill is needed in the industry. But what kind of blog post would that be?
Honestly though, with this burgeoning industry still in its infancy, there really is need for a wealth of skills for cannabis jobs.
So whether you’re a newbie to the working world, a top executive in your industry, or somewhere in between (which would be most of us), if you’re interested in this industry, they’re interested in what you have to offer.
What Do Hiring Managers Want?
The cannabis industry is young. And it’s hungry for talent.
That makes it the perfect industry for younger people who are looking to get in on the ground level of a quickly growing industry.
The cool thing about younger applicants is their energy, willingness and enthusiasm. Hiring managers want people who are coachable and eager for new challenges and opportunities.
BUT, the cannabis industry is truly open to all ages. And hiring managers will happily welcome older applicants too who have the skills they seek.
Valuable Skills for the Cannabis Jobs
If you’re already established and experienced in another industry, then it’s all about reinventing yourself.
So even if you can’t boast experience in the cannabis industry on your resumé, odds are that you have transferable skills.
For example, if you have a background in finance, them emphasize that on your resumé. Every business is in need of accountants, controllers and CFOs who can help with cash flow and money issues.
By the same token, if you have experience in manufacturing and operations, you possess the skills that will help companies scale to meet the quickly growing demands.
Two other industries that hiring managers take notice of are:
Sales/Marketing
In states where marijuana is legal – particularly recreational – there is an explosion of businesses competing for market share.
If you’re a marketing expert with business development savvy, you will be in high demand. Cannabis companies are in critical need of marketing professionals who know how to build powerful relationships with major customers.
But even you don’t have the corner office in the world of marketing, B2B marketing staff and consumer marketing experts are also in demand for their skills.
Technology
From data scientists to experts in computer networking to machine-learning engineers, every industry has a need for IT folks.
But in the case of the cannabis industry, people coming out of tech with experience in a lab, extraction company or dispensary are a particularly hot commodity.
And if you spent any time in regulatory or compliance, you can only imagine how welcome those skills will be. (Very.)
Another big plus? The lack of age-ism which we discussed earlier. That means that seriously experienced tech executives with some years under their belts are embraced rather than looked over for more youthful upstarts.
So the bottom line is, if you’ve got some skills and are interested in the cannabis industry, it’s probably interested in you too.
But there are additional things you can do.
Get Educated
You might be thinking, how do I get an education in cannabis? (And we’re not talking about experimenting with it.)
It shouldn’t come as any big surprise that many top universities and institutions, as well as specialized continuing education companies, now offer classes and degrees in the cannabis industry.
So if you can afford to take a few courses, do it. Being able to add some cannabis education to your resumé indicates a passion for the business side of the industry.
Network (of Course)
Job boards are a great place to find cannabis companies looking for talent. And the number of job openings for this industry increases every day.
So take a chance and apply to any jobs that sound interesting. Cast your net far.
And if you’re fortunate enough to live in a state that’s just recently legalized marijuana, you can expect an influx of cannabis jobs that will need to be filled in the coming year.
Attend any meetings, conventions or events that will help you connect with others in the industry.
And finally, follow industry leaders on social media. If you’re able to provide them with useful information or connections, you’re bound to start making a name for yourself in the industry.
After all, so much of life is about who you know, as much as what you know. And the cannabis industry is no different.
Where Do You See Yourself in The Cannabis Industry?
If you feel confident that you have the skills for cannabis jobs and you’re ready to explore, then what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to get into this explosive industry.
And if you decide you want to start your own business, then contact us now to line up cannabis marketing experts.
We’ll employ the most successful strategies in this unique industry to ensure you stand above the rest.