There are many reasons why people change career. It may be because they have lost interest in their current field of work, or maybe they are being let go by their company due to downsizing. Whatever the reasons are, it’s not uncommon for people to work in more than one field or industry in their working life. If you are ready to take the career change plunge, here are some tips for you.
1. Think about what you enjoy.
If you are changing career because you no longer like working in your current field or you feel like your career has run it’s course in that industry, it’s important that you move into an area that you feel will stimulate you and there is room for professional growth. Have a think about what might be of interest to you and what you enjoy doing. What type of work do you like? What kind of environment do you think you would thrive in? These are a couple of things that you should consider ahead of making any big decisions.
2. Research your new career.
Now that you know which field you would like to work in, it’s time to do some due diligence. Some career changes are not so drastic, e.g. from a high school teacher to a corporate trainer, while others may be completely different, e.g. from a high school teacher to a web designer. Do some research on what it’s like to work in your new career and if you know anyone who works in the industry, pick their brain about the nature of the work and a few insights into what it’s like working in the sector.
3. Training.
Sometimes having passion is not quite enough and you have to have the necessary skills and experience if you want to switch to a new career. Some of your existing skills may be transferrable, but there are other skills, particularly technical skills, that you may need in your new career. In this case, it may be required of you to complete some training courses in your free time to update your skill set and become qualified for the type of role you are after.
4. Network.
Your networking ability plays a vital role in determining your success in changing career. If you know people who work in the field that you are interested in, connect with them and organise a time that you can have a chat about your career intentions. They may be able to offer you some job leads, or at very least some information and advice on what it’s like to work in that field. You may also want to find a mentor who is already working in the industry to help you through the process.
5. Refresh your resume.
If it has been a while since you started your last job search, it’s probably time for you to refresh your resume and make the appropriate alterations for a career in your target industry. It’s important to tailor your resume for the type of role you are applying for, so try to relate any previous experience or skills you have developed throughout your career, to how they will benefit you in your new career.
6. Be flexible.
Since you are changing career, you may need to start from scratch. If you’re serious about starting a new career you need to be as flexible as possible. Don’t be offended if you are offered an entry-level position, as you need to start somewhere. Also, if you can’t find a job in your current city, you may need to be willing to relocate to another city.
