Published on June 26th, 2023
Too many people are stuck in jobs they find uninspiring, or that feel like a chore rather than work. You deserve to enjoy your job role and find it fulfilling.
The idea of changing careers can be intimidating, but it is not impossible.
Millions of people across the world do it every year, so why not you? These tips will help you build a foundation for a new career, and help you get a job that utilizes your passions and enthusiasm, not just your time and energy.
Plan And Prepare Before You Take Action
Making a change in career is a big step. You need to prepare yourself for the changes and the challenges that are going to come with it.
Before rushing into anything, or committing to an educational course or skills training, you should think long and hard about your future and where you want your job to take you.
Try to follow your passions. Do you have a hobby that you enjoy that could become a career?
Only take steps away from your current role once you have plotted your path forwards to your new career carefully.
Set yourself some goals that will help you gain the skills you need, and a timetable you can follow to keep yourself on track.
Planning and forethought are incredibly important; you do not want to be back where you started in a year or two.
Having a firm grasp on the type of job you want or industry you want to work in, and a plan that will help you get the skills and experience you need to secure employment in that field will give you a much better chance of success.
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Build A Support Structure
The decision to switch careers can be exciting, but overwhelming. It is a big change.
Preparing yourself mentally for the disruption it may cause to your life, and the extra work you will have to put in, will be crucial to your success. With the right mindset, anything is possible.
Feeling anxious or nervous about the future is guaranteed, and this can often hold people back from making the changes they need to in order to push their careers forward.
Anticipate your anxiety and prepare for it. These feelings are natural, but they should not control your decision-making or your outlook. Focus on the opportunities ahead of you, not the potential pitfalls.
Adopt a growth mindset. Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
The bumps along the road will help you to build confidence in yourself and your abilities if you approach them correctly. Every crisis is an opportunity, every challenge is the chance to win.
Having a strong support system can help you as you navigate your path to a new career. Share your plans with friends and family.
Use social media to create a following that will spur you on and celebrate your wins with you.
The people around you can not only be your cheerleaders, but they can also be your mentors. Their experiences can help inform yours and give you the reassurance you need to keep moving towards your goals.
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Use The Skills You Already Have
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Identifying your transferable skills can be both enlightening and incredibly valuable for your career transition.
These are abilities that you have developed in previous roles, in your life, or during your education that can help you make the switch to a new job.
These could be ‘hard skills’ like speaking a second language or IT knowledge, or ‘soft skills’, like communication, leadership, or cash handling.
Start by writing down all the skills you’ve acquired from previous jobs and education.
Don’t limit yourself to the responsibilities of a job title; think about all the abilities you’ve developed in your life, including from any volunteer work or personal projects.
Analyze the job descriptions in the area you want to move into.
What are the skills commonly required?
Do your existing skills align with these requirements?
Look for any overlaps; these are the skills you should emphasize in your resume and during any job interview.
Gaps in your skills or experience should not discourage you from making your transition.
The skills you have now demonstrate your adaptability to learn and develop yourself professionally.
They show potential employers that, while you may lack certain specific skills, you have a proven track record of learning and applying new skills effectively in job roles.
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Acquire New Qualifications
Depending on your new career choice, you may need to pursue a higher education qualification or some specialized training.
Having the right credentials can not only increase your qualifications for a role but also demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the career switch.
Research the requirements for your chosen field. If you will need a particular degree or certification, find ways to start getting these qualifications.
Part-time or online courses are perfect for fitting your education around your existing commitments like family or your current job.
This BA in Organizational Leadership gives students the opportunity to learn on their own schedule and develop a number of valuable skills that can be used in a wide range of fields and job roles.
Education is an investment. Make sure that your chosen path aligns with your long-term career goals before you commit to anything.
Think about the return on your investment too. Will the potential increase in salary or job opportunities cover the cost of the qualification? If it does not, is it a worthwhile investment of your time and money?
While earning new credentials can be valuable, never overlook the worth of the knowledge and skills you already have.
When compiling a new resume or applying for a job, do not focus too heavily on your new qualification and make sure that you highlight all of your transferable skills and work experience too.
Employers are looking for the ‘complete applicant’, who has both qualifications and proven experience.
Making a career transition is not easy, but the hard work and dedication are worth it.
By preparing yourself mentally for the challenges ahead, taking a thorough inventory of your skills, and identifying gaps in your knowledge that can be filled with education, you give yourself the perfect platform to jump from one job to your new career.
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