So how do you go about making a career change? Carefully, slowly, and while still gainfully employed -- if possible. I’ve outlined the steps to career change below, but you can find the full details in my article, The 10-Step Plan to Career Change.
Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes. Take the time to really evaluate the things you like and dislike about your current job. Then look at hobbies and other activities; what are the kinds of things you like doing with your spare time? Find your career passion.
Step 2: Research New Careers. Now you need to research careers that utilize the skills and experiences that you like doing.
Step 3: Transferable Skills. Even if your new career choice is quite different than your old career, don’t feel as though you have to discard all your previous experience. In fact, you probably have several key skill sets that can transfer to your new careers -- things such as communications, leadership, planning.
Step 4: Training and Education. Often times making the transition to a new career requires additional education or training. Whatever you do, don’t jump into a program without fully investigating. Take your time.
Step 5: Networking. Once you’ve decided on a new career path, you should immediately go about joining the key professional organizations in that career field. Go to a conference, join a discussion board…start networking with the people in your new career.
Step 6: Gaining Experience. Whether it’s part-time or volunteer work, be sure to gain experience in your new career field while making the transition.
Step 7: Find a Mentor. Having a mentor can make all the difference between success and failure. A mentor can help you with decision-making, offer support and advice, and just be there on those bad days.
Stop 8: Changing In or Out. If you hate your job, but love your employer there may be a chance that you can switch careers without ever leaving the company. Progressive employers value good workers, so don’t assume you’ll need to find a new job elsewhere.
Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics. If you’ve been out of the job-search for a few years, you need to spend some time brushing up on key job-search skills, especially interviewing.
Step 10: Be Flexible. As you begin to make your career change, you’re going to need to be flexible about things such as salary and relocation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Randall S. Hansen is a nationally recognized career and job-search expert. He is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. Dr. Hansen is a certified electronic career coach. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He is an author and presenter of hundreds of publications and papers. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of the top-selling Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. His opinions and comments are often quoted in the media. Read more about Dr. Hansen. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.
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