How To Switch Career: A Step-By-Step Guide: There are many reasons a career change happens, and it often provides you with new opportunities. If you are thinking about switching careers, you may need to research why you’re making the switch and the opportunities it can provide you. But first, you must know that a career change is a very challenging task. You may have to start from the bottom of the ladder after reaching a height in your current profession. It may also come with a pay cut and require you to return to school.
However, on the other hand, it can also have lots of positives for you personally and professionally.
What does a career switch mean?
A career switch is to pursue a new occupation outside your current position. Sometimes, the switch can happen within the same industry. Some reasons why you may consider a career switch are:
- To earn a higher salary
- Grow within an organization
- For more flexibility in the work schedule
- Less or more work travel
- Reduce stress
- Work under another leadership team
- Feel appreciated
How to make the switch
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If you’ve gotten to this stage, it means you’ve thought about it long enough and are willing to pursue it. If that’s the case, here are a few tips to consider.
1. Think of why you want the career switch
You might have a bad day at your job and decide you want to call it to quit, and not just the job but the career as a whole. Before you start looking too far for how to make a career switch, ask yourself if you want the career change. Did you outgrow your job? Or are you bored at your current job? Or you’ve been in that field for so long and want to try a new experience? Whatever the reason is, it’s important to have the right motivation.
2. Review your skills, core values and interest
Look at the different areas in which you’ve succeeded academically or professionally. The successes may have come in classroom projects, professional work experience, or volunteer roles, based on your experience. Going through these details can help you determine your interest and how you can highlight them in your resume for your new career. Also, ensure that your core values align with your motivations and follows your career trajectory.
3. Consider different industries
If you’re looking to switch careers outside your present industry, you can start by listing careers you’ll consider and their industry. You can check the employment projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find fast-growing job fields. You can also check online for top-paying jobs.
It might also be a good idea to talk to family members, friends, and your professional network so you can get a good assessment of the careers you’re considering. If you’re unsure of what career is the most appropriate for you, you can meet a career counselor or a staffing agency to help you make the right decision for your next career path.
4. Look for potential job prospects.
You can look at several job search websites to research job opportunities. This will give you an idea of the different careers you’re considering and if they can help fulfill your personal goals. Make sure your careers list is wide so you can have several options to consider. If you find a position that interests you at a company, check the company’s website first. This can indicate your next career step.
5. Create an action plan
You need to have an action plan with clearly defined goals and milestones. Once this is set, and you’ve completed all your research, you can narrow the career that interests you to a specific job or occupation. Once you’ve determined this, the next thing to consider is how to get there. You must consider certification, skill development, education, and work opportunities in the specific industry. Be clear about the steps you need to take and when you’ll complete each. You can request that professionals at Resumesplanet.com create a new resume for your new career.
6. Follow employees from different organizations.
Once you have pinned down your primary interest in a job, you can start to follow or shadow employees and professionals you know in this career. This can help you get hands-on experience of the job. Depending on if the employer allows you, it might take a few days or even hours to shadow them. You can check the career office at your college to find out about job shadowing opportunities that you can fit into.
7. Look for volunteer opportunities or freelance jobs.
Getting freelance jobs or volunteer opportunities is an effective way to get direct work experience for the career you’re starting. This may be helpful if you’re seeking creative opportunities with high demand for freelancers. If you also come across volunteer opportunities within this field, you can take advantage of that to kickstart your career.
Conclusion
Switching careers can be difficult, but not impossible. However, you must be convinced that you want to leave your current job for a new one, and be sure about your passion and desire for this new career.
