If you have connections in the industry you want to switch to, make an effort to reach out and connect. Be upfront and explain that you’re looking to change careers and would appreciate their input and advice.
Keep in mind that many of your skills are transferable. Take stock of your hard and soft skills, and look for courses and programs that can help you get up to speed quickly.
1. Think About Why You Want to Change
There are many reasons that professionals decide to change careers. Some may feel that their current job is not fulfilling or they are stuck in a dead-end position with no opportunities for growth. Other reasons may include wanting to work from home, having more time with their family, or simply wanting a better work-life balance.
No matter the reason, a career switch is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Before making a change, it is important to think about why you want to change and to set clear goals for yourself. This can help you achieve your dream career and stay motivated throughout the process.
It is also important to communicate your reasons for a career change with others, particularly during the interview process. This will help to keep everyone on board and make the transition easier for you. It may also be helpful to talk with your coworkers and managers, who may be able to give you some insight into the industry that you are interested in or share some tips for landing your new role.
Finally, it is important to remember that changing careers can be a challenging and exciting journey. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can find the perfect career for you. Just be sure to have a plan in place and someone to hold you accountable!
2. Take Stock of Your Skills
One of the best ways to determine whether a career change is even feasible is to make a comprehensive inventory of your skills. This involves recalling and categorizing all the different positions you’ve held, the tasks you performed in each, and how well you accomplished those duties. This can help you identify any hard or soft skills that are transferable to your new industry, as well as any areas where further training might be needed.
Once you’ve done a thorough inventory, take some time to consider the skills that are most important to your future success. This might involve thinking about what you enjoy most about the job you do now, or assessing your goals for the next year, five years, and beyond. Having these clear goals in mind will give you a sense of direction that will help keep your momentum going throughout the transition process.
Another important step in identifying the necessary skills for your new career is to start learning more about your chosen field. This can be done through research, webinars, informational interviews, and networking events. In addition, if you can find a mentor in the industry who is willing to teach you the ropes, this will be a huge help. Once you’ve learned as much as possible about your desired industry, be sure to update your resume and tailor it for the type of work you want to do in the new field.
3. Learn More About the Industry
Depending on the career you want to shift into, there may be certain industry and job-specific skills that you need to learn. This could include learning industry tools, understanding fundamental principles and processes, or simply getting to grips with specific terminology. This process will be different for everyone, but it’s important to start learning as early as possible.
It’s a good idea to get as much exposure to your new field as you can, so try to find some freelance or volunteer work in your chosen industry. This will give you direct experience of the role and allow you to develop your skills in a safe environment. You might also be able to attend courses, seminars or webinars that can help you gain skills and knowledge in your new career.
This is especially important if your career change is going to be drastic. For example, if you’re moving from a content writer into a marketing manager role, you might need to learn how to manage a team, write effective copy, and create digital campaigns.
Having some practical experience and expertise will make you more valuable to employers and will also provide you with a great platform to launch your career change. As you’re researching, make sure to look up the salary and job expectations in your new industry. These will help you to figure out the right level of commitment for your new career.
4. Network
Changing careers isn’t something you can do alone, and it’s essential to have people in your corner that can support you. Having a strong network can help you find opportunities if you know how to determine if joining a chamber of commerce is for you. This includes making connections in your new industry, which will lead to mentors and job offers. But networking isn’t a passive activity; you have to be proactive and intentional about it. “Setting aside a specific time each day to expand your professional circle is key,” Devin Schumacher, founder of digital marketing agency Serp, said.
Ideally, your network should include those who are familiar with the industry you want to enter and its issues. That can include friends and family, fellow alumni, teachers, community members, and people you meet at networking events. “You can find broad networks through LinkedIn groups or other online forums, as well as more niche ones like local chapters of professional associations and interest-based communities,” Schumacher said.
Depending on your career change, you may also have the chance to expand your network by doing informational interviews—where you talk to people in your target field and ask them about their work and experiences. This can give you a better understanding of the lingo and industry intricacies, which can help you during job interviews. Make sure to be a good communicator, and always follow up after meetings or phone calls with a quick note or email. This shows that you’re thoughtful and professional, which can help establish trust.
5. Get a Mentor
Having a mentor can make a big difference in a career change. They can help you reposition your resume and teach you how to navigate the new industry. They can also provide valuable insight into the challenges you may face and offer encouragement when the going gets tough.
A good mentor can help you get your foot in the door of a new industry, and they can be an invaluable source of support as you start to build relationships in your new field. They can also help you evaluate different opportunities to ensure they align with your new career path and advise on how to approach each one.
Finding a mentor can be difficult, but it’s important to consider your network when looking for potential candidates. Look for mentors within your own organization and on professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn or Xobni. You can also reach out to mentors in other industries or even people who’ve successfully made a career change.
Once you find someone to mentor you, it’s crucial to respect their time and keep the lines of communication open. However, it’s also important to be proactive and ask for help when you need it. Mentors, just like anyone else, are busy and may not know you need their help unless you ask. Having a clear plan of action and the right expectations will help you make the most of your mentoring relationship.
6. Take Action
If you’re serious about shifting careers, it’s time to take action. Start by creating a timeline to completion that includes milestones you need to achieve in order to complete the shift, such as training courses or qualifications you need to gain. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastinating or getting distracted by other projects.
It’s also a good idea to identify any potential new career paths and research them thoroughly. You can use online tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed Salaries to explore different industries and compare job titles, duties and compensation. You can also consider speaking with people who are currently working in these fields to get first-hand information about them. It’s also worth searching for mentors who can offer support and advice as you change careers.
Changing careers can be a challenging process, but it’s essential to find work that provides satisfaction and happiness. If you’re constantly feeling exhausted or miserable, it may be a sign that your current job isn’t a good fit. Take the steps above to start your journey towards finding a more fulfilling career and you’ll find that the changes you make are worth it in the long run. If you need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a career coach for assistance and guidance. They can help you map out your career transition and ensure you’re on the right path for success.