The 10-Step Plan to a Successful Career Change
Have you found a career path that interests you more than the one you currently are pursuing? Studies show that the average job-seeker will change careers several times over the course of his or her lifetime.
That might sound daunting, but our 10-step plan will guide you into making the right choices! Changing a career path takes time, so be sure to go through each step below to decide if it’s the right move for you.
Step 1: Find what you like and dislike about your current job. It’s not only important to know what you don’t like but also what you do like because that’s going to help you when choosing a new career path. Next, find out what you’re passionate about. Something you consider a hobby today could turn into your new career tomorrow.
Step 2: Research. However much research you do depends on how much change you’re making. If you’re making a drastic change you need to be knowledgeable in that field and research will help you get there.
Step 3: Hone the skills you have and use them in finding a new career. Communication, leadership, planning, etc. are all good skills that you can transfer over and apply to what you want to do with your new career.
Step 4: Training and Education. Finding a new career may require you to update your skills and/or broaden your knowledge. Remember to take things slowly because jumping into a long-term school program before knowing if you really like the subject could be a huge mistake. Sign up for a course or certification class and decide if you like the subject matter before making any serious decisions.
Step 5: Network. People in your network are people that may be able to help you. People in your network include: friends, family and co-workers. These people can give you job leads, advice, and even introduce you to someone in a field you’re interested in. Other ways to network are by joining clubs or organizations or contacting someone already in the field you want to know more about.
Step 6: Experience. Just because you find a field you’re interested in doesn’t mean you’re ready to start working right away. You’re now back to square one because you’ve chosen a new career path. You need to get experience in any way you can. This may mean volunteering, interning, or working part-time. It might seem “beneath you” but remember that any experience you can get will help get you started and be ready for your new career.
Step 7: Mentor. Having a mentor can help to answer any questions you may have. Changing your career path can be a frustrating experience so having someone there to help you get through the rough patches is extremely helpful.
Step 8: Changing Employers. Sometimes when people change careers they change jobs within their current company. Most likely you will want to consider changing employers in order to change fields, but remember not to ask questions until you are 100% sure you’re ready to do so.
Step 9: Job-Hunt. Update your resume and start searching for jobs. Use all your resources so you have more options.
Step 10: Be flexible. Since you’re making a career change in the middle of your life you’re going to need to be flexible. Expect setbacks and change – especially with your salary and possibly your location.
