From Journalist to Salesforce Admin: My First Tech Job
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs
Discovering the EDF Opportunity
When I first came across the job posting for a Salesforce Administrator at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), I had two immediate thoughts:
This is exactly the kind of mission-driven organization I want to work for.
I’m completely unqualified for this role.
The job description was full of Salesforce acronyms and technical requirements that I didn’t fully understand. But as I read further, I realized that many of the core responsibilities — data analysis, report building, communication — were skills I had honed as a journalist.
“Your unique background is an asset, not a liability.”
Tailoring My Application
I knew my application needed to stand out. I couldn’t compete on technical experience, but I could showcase my unique perspective and transferable skills.
In my resume and cover letter, I highlighted projects that demonstrated my analytical thinking, my ability to distill complex information, and my knack for telling compelling stories with data.
I emphasized my fast learning on Trailhead, my engagement in the Salesforce community, and my deep passion for EDF’s environmental mission.
How I Framed My Transferable Skills:
Investigative research → Data analysis
Asking incisive questions → Requirements gathering
Crafting compelling narratives → Data visualization
Meeting tight deadlines → Project management
Preparing for the Interview
I threw myself into interview preparation. I scoured Salesforce forums for common admin interview questions, I practiced explaining technical concepts in plain language, and I studied EDF’s existing Salesforce implementation.
I also prepared anecdotes that illustrated my problem-solving abilities, my communication skills, and my drive to learn. I wanted to paint a picture of the value I could bring, not just as a Salesforce Admin, but as a strategic thinker and mission-driven team member.
“Your interview is your chance to tell your story — make sure it’s a compelling one.”
Landing the Role
The actual interview was a blur. But I remember walking out feeling like I had given it my all. I had been authentic, I had articulated my value, and I had shown that my passion for the role extended far beyond my current technical abilities.
When I got the call offering me the position, I was overjoyed. But more than that, I was proud. Proud that I had taken a risk, proud that I had bet on myself, and proud that I was embarking on a new chapter doing meaningful work.
“Getting the job isn’t the end of the journey — it’s just the beginning.”
Thriving in the First 90 Days
I knew the first 90 days would be critical for proving my value and setting myself up for success. I committed to being a sponge — soaking up as much Salesforce knowledge as I could, as quickly as I could.
I collaborated closely with the development team to understand their needs and pain points. I sought out quick win opportunities, like cleaning up outdated data and building new reports to provide visibility into key metrics.
I also made sure to document my work, creating references for future team members and demonstrating my growing Salesforce expertise.
My 30–60–90 Day Plan:
30 Days: Learn the existing system, shadow key users, identify quick wins
60 Days: Implement quick wins, document processes, build relationships
90 Days: Take on more complex projects, train users, propose strategic improvements
Lessons for Aspiring Admins
Looking back, some key takeaways from my experience:
Your non-traditional background is a strength — it gives you a unique perspective
The job search is a storytelling exercise — frame your narrative in a compelling way
Passion and eagerness to learn can outweigh years of technical experience
The first 90 days are your proving ground — focus on quick wins and building trust
Continuous learning is the name of the game — never stop growing your skills
Landing your first Salesforce job is a massive achievement, but it’s just the first step in a much longer journey. Embrace the challenges, stay hungry for knowledge, and never lose sight of the bigger picture impact of your work.
“Your Salesforce career will be full of opportunities to make a real difference — seize them.”
Ready to land your dream Salesforce job? Download my “From Journalist to Salesforce Expert: A 90-Day Roadmap for Career Changers” now and schedule a one on one for:
•Resume and Cover Letter Review
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About the Author: Jeremy Carmona is a Salesforce consultant with 13+ certifications and a background in journalism. He specializes in making complex Salesforce concepts clear and actionable.
Follow him on LinkedIn for more cautionary tales and hard-won wisdom from the Salesforce trenches.