More people are now switching careers.
In fact, a third of workers under 40 years old are considering changing careers. We all know also, that many of us over 50, re-invent and change careers as well. As work-from-home policies during the pandemic made them realize the non-negotiables they want in their work life.
Authoritative resources from the US Chamber of Commerce report a few reasons behind this decision to change, including work-life balance, a positive culture, and flexible work schedules. While these are all valid reasons for switching, the process must not be taken lightly. There are certain measures one must take to ensure a smooth and proper transition.
“They will conduct objective and subjective assessments that will gather information to guide your career transition.”
If you’re looking at changing careers, here are a few steps to guide you:
Conduct A Self-Assessment For A Career Change:
Switching careers is a big move. It’s one that you may regret and is often an irreversible decision. That’s why before committing to changing your career or industry, you need to assess your options. Job assistance website Job-Hunt confirms that self-assessment will help you learn about yourself — it enables you to dive deeper into the values, interests, and motivators that influence your decision. By the end of it, you’ll know if what you truly seek is a career change.
To do this, get assistance from a career coach or assessment expert. They will conduct objective and subjective assessments that will gather information to guide your career transition. They may even help you determine what careers suit you best.
Make A List Of Your Current Skills:
Many skills are transferable, meaning they can be used in several different career paths. One example is communication skills, which are needed in almost every job. This means that you most likely already have a few skills needed in your potential job. Career development experts LHH suggest that making a list of your skills will make it easier for you to consider a different job or career path because it will narrow down your scope.
Thus, enumerate all your hard and soft skills. When you’re job hunting, this list will make it easier to cross-reference your own skills to those that are in demand in your potential career. It allows you to determine which skills you lack, which brings us to our next point.
“This will increase your chances of finding open positions and let you learn from experts in your potential industry.”
Upgrade Your Skills:
While you may be leaving a senior position, a new job entails a different set of skills. Big industry shifts, such as coming from hospitality and going to a creative industry, will require you to have certain skills. This could include the ability to take criticism, animation skills, and knowledge of color theory. Once you’ve identified the skills you lack, take time to learn them before applying to companies.
Upskill by taking courses as some of these give out certificates of completion, further establishing that you indeed have the necessary skills for your new job. Popular platforms to consider are edX and Coursera, but also check out local institutions if you prefer in-person classes.
Start Networking In Your Preferred Industry:
Now that you have all the necessary skills, the next step is to network. This will increase your chances of finding open positions and let you learn from experts in your potential industry. To begin, INC. Magazine recommends building your online presence.
Sharing industry news and creating industry-related posts on social media that let others know about your shared interests and increases the chances of sparking a conversation with them. Another is to join LinkedIn industry groups. Search for industry keywords, such as “supply chain management”. Here, you’ll be able to interact and build relationships with people from the industry you wish to be a part of.
Changing careers is a daunting process, but with these tips, you’ll have a smoother transition. It’s important to keep in mind that the decision is yours to make, and it doesn’t have to look good to outsiders for you to make the switch.
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