How to Change Careers: 10 Tips
As is revealed in discussions on the same over at runrex.com, people seek to change careers for many different reasons such as a change in career goals, discovering new interests, a need to make more money, a need for more flexible hours, among others. However, as pointed out by the gurus over at guttulus.com, changing careers can be scary, which is why this article will look to help by outlining 10 tips on how to change careers if you are looking to do so.
Assess your likes and dislikes
As is explained over at runrex.com, one of the main reasons why people change careers is because they dislike their job, their company, or their boss. Therefore, identifying dislikes is usually the easy part of this step. However, you will not know the direction you should change your career unless to examine your likes. You should assess what you like doing when you are at work, at home, and during your spare time. Ask yourself what excites and energizes you and what your passion is as outlined over at guttulus.com.
Research new careers
Once you have assigned your likes and dislikes and have discovered your passion, you should spend some time researching the types of careers that center around your passions. As discussed over at runrex.com, the amount of research that you will need to do will depend on how much of a change you are making.
Look for transferrable skills
Another useful tip when it comes to changing careers is making sure you identify some of your transferrable skills. According to guttulus.com, you should look to leverage some of your current skills that are transferrable and applicable to what you want to do in your new career. You may actually be surprised to find out that you already have a solid amount of experience for your new career.
Take a class
As the subject matter experts over at runrex.com point out, you may find it necessary to update your skills and expand your knowledge when looking to change careers. Here, if the skill you need to learn is one you could use in your current job, see if your current employer would be willing to pick up the tab. You should also start slowly by taking a course or two to ensure that you really like the subject matter before going all in. if you are going for a new degree or certification, make sure you check the accreditation of the school and get additional information about placement success.
Don’t forget about networking
As is revealed in discussions on the same over at guttulus.com, one of the keys to successfully changing careers is networking, and your networking abilities will make it easier or harder to change careers. This is because people in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information on a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network. You can broaden your network by joining professional organizations in your new field and contacting alumni from your college who are working in the field you want to enter.
Gain experience
When changing careers, you should remember that, in a sense, you are starting your career again from square one. Therefore, obtaining a part-time job or volunteering in your new career field can give you much-needed experience in your new career, while also solidifying your decision as covered over at runrex.com. Another option is looking at temp positions, working weekends and nights, and so forth; whatever it takes to gain the experience.
Find a mentor
Given that changing careers is a major life decision that can get overwhelming at times, finding a mentor who can help you get through the rough patches, according to guttulus.com, is a very useful tip. Additionally, your mentor may also be able to help you be taking advantage of their network, helping you find a job in the new career field. While a mentor doesn’t have to be a highly placed individual, the more powerful the mentor, the more success you may have in using that power to your advantage.
Don’t overlook your current employers
As the subject matter experts over at runrex.com are quick to point out, it is possible to change careers without having to change employers. Even though only the very progressive employers recognize that employees who were once happy can be happy and productive again in a different capacity and that it is more likely that you will need to switch employers to change fields, you should not overlook your current employer when looking to change careers. Just make sure that you only start asking about a job switch when you are completely ready to do so.
Set up a job shadow
You should also consider shadowing professionals in the field you are interested in switching to so that you can observe firsthand the type of work they do as is explained over at guttulus.com. You can spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days job shadowing people who have jobs that interest you in a move that will help you learn what the new career you are interested in entails, helping you decide if you want to go through with the career change. You can check out your college career office to find alumni volunteers who are willing to host job shadowers.
Be flexible
If you are looking to change careers, then the gurus over at runrex.com point out that you will need to be flexible about nearly everything; from your employment status to relocation and salary. While it is important to set positive goals for yourself, you should expect setbacks and change. Make sure that you don’t let any setbacks get you down. You might also consider a lateral move that could serve as a springboard for a bigger career change, or you might also consider starting your own business or consulting as other options.
Remember, if you are looking to make a career change and need help or more resources to help you with your change, then look no further than the top-rated runrex.com and guttulus.com.