A career change is an exciting but ultimately daunting process. It requires a period of careful consideration and planning, to ensure that the new career path is a good fit for your skills, and to make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
If you approach a career change as a project with a clear goal and a steady process then you are much more likely to achieve that dream job. Here are 7 steps to help you achieve that stellar career change.
1. Identify your motivations
Start by thinking about why it is that you want to change careers. Is it because you’re dissatisfied with your current job or industry, or is there another level, industry, location, or interest that you want to move towards? Maybe you just need and want a lot more money? Understanding your motivations can help you clarify your goals and make more informed decisions about your future career path.
2. Assess your professional strengths
Next, take stock of your skills, experience, and strengths, and consider how they might transfer to your new career. This can help you identify the types of roles and industries that might be a good fit, where you’re both likely to thrive professionally and find that you’re intellectually stimulated.
3. Research your career change options
Once you have a better idea of your motivations and strengths, you can research specific careers and industries that interest you. Look for information about job requirements, salary expectations, and the day-to-day realities of the job. This can help you get a sense of whether the career path is a good fit for you, and whether it’ll provide you with the benefits you need.
4. Seek advice from your network
Nothing beats hearing about what it’s actually like to work in an industry from someone with direct experience. Talk to people in the industries and roles you are interested in to learn more about their experiences – this can help you gain a better understanding of the realities of the job, and build a network of contacts that may be able to help you with your career change.
5. Consider further training
Depending on the career path you are pursuing, you may need to acquire new skills or professional qualifications. Consider whether you need additional training, and identify the options that are available to you. There are a number of providers like https://staysharp.global/ that provide online training, meaning that you can often fit it around your existing career schedule.
6. Create a career change plan
By now you’ll have a good idea about where you want to go – next, you can develop a plan for how you’ll achieve your career change. This could involve identifying short-term and long-term goals, outlining the steps you need to take to achieve them, and setting timelines for your progress.
It’s worth remembering that most positions are not advertised, making a stellar career change is often more about who you know that what you know. So make sure that you include targets for building relationships and connections in your action plan. For example, making a regular number of new connections associated with your ideal role, and attending events.
7. Take action
Finally, you’re ready to put your plan into action to make your career change a reality. Get started by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, applying for jobs, or enrolling in your chosen training program. Keep focused on your goals, and take steps every day to move closer to achieving them.
Approaching a career change requires careful planning, research, and preparation. By taking the time to assess your motivations and skills, research your options, and develop a plan, you can make a successful transition to a stellar new career path that’s more fully aligned with your professional goals and values.