Are you planning to make a career change? Do you have a lot of options in mind but do not know how to proceed?
According to studies, Americans go through an average of 12 different jobs in their lifetime. A lot of these workers spend a maximum of five years per job.
Though switching involves a lot of patience and adjustments, it also comes with numerous benefits. The key, however, lies in how you transition to a new career.
But what are the essentials when shifting to a new career? Continue reading below as we teach you how to make a career change the right way.
Key Factors to Consider
Before we go through the essentials on how to make a career change, let us first discuss some key factors you need to consider. The first question to ask if you wish to make a career change is whether it’s worth doing.
You need to determine if you need a new career or not. To do this, you need to answer the “why.” Will jumping to a new arena give you happiness?
Will it equate to peace of mind? Or is it the move you need to solve your financial woes?
Another question to ask is “can you afford it?” You need to determine how big of an impact switching careers will have on your finances.
Weigh your finances and see if a new career will impact your current financial obligations.
Another consideration is how the move will affect your family. Does making a career change translate to a sudden change in their lifestyle? Sometimes, a career change may force you to relocate or adjust your daily work schedule.
Last but not least, consider seeking profession advice or career consultation. Talk to a mentor who can guide in your decisions. He may also give pointers on how to make change work and avoid making crucial mistakes along the way.
How to Make a Career Change
You finally decided to make the switch. However, there is a proper way of transitioning to a new career. Here are the steps you need to take when making that career change:
- Perform a Self-Assessment
First, you need to assess yourself. This means evaluating your skills, knowledge, personality, and values. Doing this will help you identify the specific jobs that fit you best.
Sure, you may already know the industry you will move into, but you may not know the particular occupations where you can thrive and excel. Conduct your self-assessment by taking career aptitude tests.
- Set Your Goals
After selecting a specific occupation, start setting some goals concerning your new career. Do some brainstorming as you make a list of your goals. It doesn’t matter what your goals may be, this is your list so don’t mind what others may think.
Divide your goals into two groups, namely, short-term and long-term.
You must complete your short-term goals within a year. As for your long-term goals, your maximum deadline is five years. An example of a short-term goal is earning an associate’s degree.
Meanwhile, a certification takes an average of two years.
After listing your goals, identify the possible barriers that you may likely encounter. Beside each hurdle, write down the corresponding solution.
- Create an Action Plan
After completing a list of your goals, you can start working on your career action plan. Your action plan must contain the steps you need to take to get to achieve your short-term and long-term goals.
Look at your goals and write the concrete steps you need to reach every item on the list. Identify the skills that you need to achieve each goal. Also, you should write down the tasks from your current job that you need to complete.
Don’t rush yourself in completing all tasks all at the same time. Work on them one by one until you get your groove. Always focus on the steps you need to take to achieve each target.
But don’t make it harder if things aren’t working your way. Take a step back and assess your solutions. If you see they’re no longer working, consider tweaking your action plan.
For starters, focus on your short-term goals first. Slowly work your way until you move into your long-term targets.
- Train, Train, Train
As we mentioned earlier, shifting to a new career involves a lot of adjustments. Part of adjusting is learning new skills. It requires expanding your knowledge.
Are you planning to enter a career in scalp micro pigmentation? Then you need to invest time in scalp micro pigmentation training.
Did you discover a passion for the arts? Then join classes that will sharpen your skills and enrich your knowledge in the arts.
If you’re moving to a different field but still in a corporate setup, consider doing an internship. Additionally, search for online courses that you can take at home.
- Track Your Progress
No action plan becomes successful without progress-tracking. Monitor your effort to see exactly how you are doing regarding your action plan. Identify the goals where you struggle the most.
Make adjustments and tweak your action plans if need be. Also, consider setting up reminders so you don’t miss anything.
If there is one tool that will help you track your progress the most, it is the Excel Spreadsheet. But if you’re not that adept in Excel, use a tool that you are most comfortable with.
- Do a Brand Shift
Lastly, you need to start shifting your brand. This means letting everybody know that you are now working in a different field. Take note that this is arguably the toughest step you may go through.
Everyone in your contacts list knows you belong in your current industry. If they learn that you moved to another field, they will start asking questions. Furthermore, when you start applying for a job, the employers will look into your resume.
This is where most people fail. They fail to highlight the right things in their resume. Look for your strengths from your previous job that you can use in your new one.
Put these things on the first page of your resume. Not only will this send a message that you have something to contribute, but it will keep prospective employers from confusion.
Make It Big in Your New Career
By learning how to make a career change the right way, you will have fewer problems with your transition. After settling in your new job, your next goal is to make it big.
We invite you to check our different articles on growing in your new field. We offer valuable tips that will help you succeed regardless of the industry you choose.
