Although it may take some effort, a well-thought-out strategy can help you successfully switch careers. Use this guide for help in making a successful career change.
See Also: How to Climb the Corporate Ladder
It’s important to put some thought into your future job path before making any firm commitments.
Figure out your marketable abilities
Learn as much as you can about the field you’re interested in working in. Soft talents often include things like the ability to work well with others, communicate well, make sound decisions, and multitask effectively.
Try to foresee the abilities you’ll need
Figure out what concrete abilities are needed for your new job and start working on them. Consider taking a course in design software if you hope to find work in graphic design. Self-study, formal education, and vocational training are all viable options. With these new qualifications under your belt, you’ll be better prepared to apply for jobs in your chosen field.
Things to think about while making major life adjustments
Think about the aspects of your life outside work that might need to alter as you get ready for your new job. For example, if you have children, you may need to find alternative childcare arrangements or pack up and move. Making this move in your work could also mean sacrificing time with friends and family.
Maintaining Your Self-Esteem During a Major Life Change
Once you’ve decided to make a career change, here’s what you need to do to see it through:
Resign from your current position
It is best to resign from your position in a different industry in a professional and amicable manner. Provide your manager with a proper resignation letter detailing your reasons for leaving, and submit it at least two weeks before you plan to leave your position. To ensure a seamless transition, you should complete all ongoing tasks and thoroughly document your processes.
Return to your studies
If you want to make a significant shift in your profession, you may need to earn a new credential. Find out what training is required and how much it will cost. For instance, if you want to make a career change into paramedic work, you may need to spend a day getting certified in advanced cardiac life support. However, a Master of Business Management (MBA) degree, which typically takes two years to complete, is often necessary for positions in healthcare administration.
Network
Meet together with other experts in your field both virtually and in person. They are in a prime position to offer insight and direction as you embark on your new professional journey. They could also let you know about job openings or put you in touch with HR. Participate in industry events, join a relevant association, and reach out to influential people in your field via professional networking sites to expand your sphere of influence. Arrange meetings with professionals in the field to gain insight into the field and the work they do through informational interviews.
Refresh your CV
Your resume should reflect your growing expertise and experience. To show how your prior expertise and skills translate to the new field, you should emphasize them in a variety of ways. Include a statement of purpose in your resume that outlines your professional aspirations and the value you can contribute to the company. Know what work experience is no longer relevant and should be removed from your resume.
Seek out beginner-level employment
Realize that you may have to begin your new career at a lower position or compensation than you were accustomed to before. Prior to applying for a permanent position, you may wish to gain relevant work experience through an internship or volunteer position. Think carefully about the jobs you can actually do, and be ready to put in some serious effort to reach the level you want.
