How many of us have spent years preparing for a particular career only to end up working in another because of shifting workplace economics? What about those of us who lost interest in our chosen careers and became intrigued by other possibilities? And then, there are those of us who have been forced into new careers as a result of downsizing or relocation. Such changes are bound to raise our level of anxiety but, often, we have no choice but to forge ahead.
Transitioning from one career to another is not a particularly easy thing to do. It is a process that takes time and effort. Here are some helpful hints to get you through the process:
Decide What Type of Work You Would Like To Do
It’s easier if you have already determined the direction in which you are headed. However, if you want to (or need to) change careers but are not sure what type of work you want to do, then career counseling may help. Mental health professionals and career counselors are equipped to assist in these efforts. You may be asked to complete a career assessment test battery to determine your interests and talents. During this process, you may discover talents and interests you never realized you had. It’s an exciting part of the process!
Decide Whether You Need Further Training or Education
Once you have pinpointed the direction in which you are heading, you may need to decide whether you require further training to change careers successfully. For some career changers, going back to college and getting an additional degree is an option. Another way to change careers is to enroll in a certificate program. Many colleges and universities now offer certificates in various careers. These programs have been specifically designed to assist career changers.
Identify Transferable Skills
If you can identify transferable skills, you are already ahead of the game. Even though you may be making a 180-degree turn professionally, certain skills you have already developed may well be skills you will need in your new career. A good starting point is to sit down and make a list of all of the skills you already have. You may be surprised about the extent of your abilities. Skills that are particularly important include:
- dependability;
- competency;
- organization; and
- ease in dealing with a wide range of people.
Determine the Type of Organization That Best Suits You
Now that you’ve narrowed down the type of work you would like to do, you may not know where you might find work. At this point, you may want to do some investigating. Questions you may want to explore are:
- Are you willing to relocate if necessary?
- What type of salary and benefits do you require?
- Do you prefer small or large companies?
- Are there opportunities for advancement at the companies you have researched?
The Internet is a valuable resource — take time to explore it! Most companies have websites with all sorts of information about their organization, including job boards.
Networking
Most career counselors will tell you that networking is invaluable. Even though you might not realize it, there are all sorts of people out there who may be able to help you. Not only that, most people like to share information and will be pleased that you have contacted them. Consider networking with some of the following:
- friends
- neighbors
- family
- former employers
- religious, civic and community organizations
- chamber of commerce
- professional organizations
- former professors and teachers
Once you decide that you are in the networking mode, you may be surprised to see how many opportunities are really available.
Take a moment to jot down a list of the people you would like to contact to begin your networking process. Once you have decided to contact someone on your list, begin by a phone call or e-mail asking to meet for coffee or lunch. It is best if you let him or her know that you are not asking for a job, but are in the process of seeking information. If possible, ask for additional contacts and referrals. Be sure to follow up with a thank-you note.
Take Care of Yourself
The single most important thing you will need to remember is that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and you’re not going to change careers overnight. It is a process. At times, you may feel very discouraged. Talk to friends and family about your feelings. Be sure to remember that you have many fine qualities and it will only be a matter of time before these attributes will be recognized in your new profession. It’s not an easy process. Yet it may be the most exciting, and ultimately rewarding, thing you’ll ever do!
Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 12 Dec 2006
