How to Make a Successful Career Switch and Unlock Greater Career Satisfaction
Are you looking to make a career switch but don't know where to start? My guide will help you find your path. Here's how!
Making a career switch can be a difficult and daunting process. It requires a great deal of thought and consideration, as well as dedication and commitment to making a successful transition. It can also be time-consuming as you need to research and assess the skills and qualifications needed for the new job you are considering. Additionally, you may need to go back to school to obtain the necessary certifications or qualifications. For instance, if you are transitioning from a career in accounting to one in marketing, you may need to take courses in marketing, digital media, and analytics to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for the new role.
Some of the most common reasons people shift careers are to earn more money, follow a passion, or improve their work-life balance. According to research by apollotechnical, It is estimated that most people will have 12 jobs during their lives, and in the last year, 32% of the 25 to 44 age category have considered a career change.
What is Career Switching, and Why Should You Consider It?
Career switching is the process of changing one's job or career path for various reasons, such as wanting to gain new skills, find a new challenge, or try something different. It can be a daunting process, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Some of the reasons why you should consider career switching include:
1. Finding a career that aligns with your values and interests:
Career switching allows you to explore different fields and find what best suits you. It also allows you to explore your passions and find a career that aligns with your values and interests.
2. Improving the work environment:
Some people switch careers to improve the work environment by becoming more involved and productive in an issue they care about. For example, a person might decide to switch to advocacy or helping individuals with career transition, which can be a rewarding yet challenging experience for both the individual and society as a whole.
Many people switch careers because they feel their interests, values, and talents are more matched with a different field. This can help people find work that matches their personality type and ability or provide them with a new experience.
7 Steps to Making a Successful and Smooth Career Switch
1. Research the new career field
Start by researching the career field you are interested in. Understand the job requirements and qualifications, what skills are needed, and the salary range. Look into the job market and see what industries are growing and what skills are in demand.
2. Develop the necessary skills
Once you know what the job requires, take the necessary steps to develop skills you may not already possess. This can include taking courses, attending workshops, and networking with individuals already in the field.
3. Network
Networking is an essential tool for making a successful career change. Connect with people who are in the same field or have been in the past. They can provide valuable advice and resources to help you make the switch. Take every opportunity to attend industry events, meet new people, and join professional organizations to understand better the industry you are interested in.
4. Update your resume
Update your resume to reflect the new career field. Highlight any skills that would be transferable, such as communication or problem-solving, and create a cover letter that explains your career switch.
5. Develop a plan
Once you have done your research and updated your resume, create a plan. This plan should include a timeline, budget, and goals. This will help keep you on track and ensure that you are making steady progress toward your goal.
6. Get Experience
If you can, try to find an internship or a part-time job in the industry, you are interested in. This will give you a better idea of what the job is like and what you need to do to succeed.
7. Take a Leap of Faith
Once you have done your research and are ready to make the switch, don't be afraid to take a leap of faith. Making a career change can be scary, but it can also be rewarding. With hard work and dedication, you can make the switch and find success in your new career path.
Identifying Your Transferable Skills & Create a Plan for Your New Career
Transferable skills are the skills you can take from one job to another. Identifying your transferable skills can help you create a plan for a new career by helping you determine what roles you may be qualified for. To identify your transferable skills, start by listing all the jobs and tasks you have had in the past, including volunteer work. Then, look for patterns in your duties and responsibilities, such as problem-solving, communication, or working with teams. Once you have identified your skills, think about how they could apply to your desired new career.
The first step in creating a plan for your new career is to set clear, attainable goals. Think about what you want to achieve in your new career and write down realistic objectives that you can work towards. Consider what kind of job you want, how much money you want to make, how long it will take you to reach your goals and any other important criteria. It's also important to be realistic about the time and effort it takes to achieve those goals. Think about how long it will take to gain the necessary skills and experience and how much money you will need to invest in getting where you want to be. Establishing a timeline can help you stay on track and keep you motivated.
Assessing Which Industries Best Fit Your Profile & Career Goals
It is important to research the different industries available to you and determine which ones are the best fit for your profile and career goals. This can be done by looking into industry-specific websites and publications, talking with individuals in various industries, and attending networking events in different sectors. It is also beneficial to look at job postings within those industries to understand the skills required for the available positions.
Examine the job postings. What skills are listed? What is required of you as an individual to succeed at the job?
Now that you understand what kind of industry would be a good fit for your skills and interests, you should create a profile for yourself on one or two industry-specific websites. Doing this will allow individuals in that industry to know more about who you are and how your skills may help them. You can also list non-industry-specific organizations on your profile if they are related to the industries that interest you. It is recommended by a lot of employers that you have experience in the industry or field that you are applying for. Skills required include the ability to multi-task, be able to work under pressure and be able to work independently. It would be best if you were a good communicator on both written and verbal levels.
Take the time to research industries aligned with your career goals and desires. Look at industry trends, job postings, and job descriptions to understand what you would do if you pursued a career in that particular sector.
Gather information about the industry, such as its size, scope, major players, and future outlook.
Each sector has a unique set of skills most appropriate for the industry. The research will be much more focused if you know what specific skills are needed.
Research your interests; What do you enjoy doing? What can you do well?
Researching these questions will help to provide a clear direction for choosing an industry and career path.
Establishing Goals & Setting Up Milestones Along Your Journey
As the Nigerian author Idowu Koyenikan once wrote: “To dream of success is to set a goal of where you want to be; to wake up, take action, and achieve it is what true success is all about.”
By setting goals and creating milestones along your career-switching journey, you can break the process down into manageable steps. This will help you to stay focused and motivated and will also give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
Additionally, it will help you to gain clarity on the skills and experience you need in order to make your transition successful.
For instance, you could set a goal to create a resume and cover letter in the first two weeks, attend two virtual events per month to network, and set up informational interviews with professionals in your desired field by the end of the month.
When you reach each milestone, make sure to do a little dance to celebrate!