Are you considering a career change? It’s a huge step up from a job change; rather, it’s a complete pivot into a new field or area. The idea can be thrilling, exciting, daunting, and downright scary. It takes ambition, careful planning, and thoughtful execution.
Let’s say your mind is made up: it’s time to make that change. Now, you can truly move forward into this next, promising and hopefully truly rewarding phase of your life. Use these steps to realize your new career direction:
- Self-assess.
Take inventory of what you like and dislike about your current job and career path. Be honest with yourself as you identify your passions, interests, values and skills. What inspires you to do your best work and leaves you feeling satisfied afterward? This self-evaluation will help you identify roles that truly suit your strengths and personality.
- Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), CareerLeader, My Career Story Workbook and O*NET Interest Profiler can be very helpful.
- Research.
Find out as much as you can, from as many sources as possible, about the new career you’re considering. Talk to people who are already doing jobs that interest you. Attend relevant conferences and seminars and read articles and trade publications. Research in person and online. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is one resource to consider.
- Develop an action plan.
Once you have a firm idea of the career path you want to follow, develop an action plan to get there. What steps do you need to take and what goals do you need to reach? Remember to ensure that all your goals meet SMART criteria: unless they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound, they’re not realistic.
- Network and gain experience.
Networking is important at all stages of your career, but even more so as you make a significant change. Put yourself out there – both face to face and via social media – tapping into the power of referrals and information you can glean from friends and colleagues. Let them know you’re looking for a new role and gather any advice, tips and contacts that you can.
- Taking on a side project in your desired new field can be a useful step. It helps you understand what hands-on work will look and feel like, as well giving you something valuable to add to your resume.
- Reality check: Are you good to go?
Periodically check in and see if you have the right support system and tools in place to keep your career transition on track. Make adjustments as needed. Above all else, go easy on yourself. Give yourself ample time: the best things in life really are worth waiting and working for. Keep following the process, building your skills, and the rest will follow.
For all the guidance you need as you travel down a new career path, contact Accurate Staffing Consultants, Inc., today. We’ll partner with you every step of the way.