How to make a successful career change
Our emerging life always motivates us to get the best and, to do the best for satisfying our striving research instincts. In the technologically advanced societies, I found very few people who started their career from one specific area of specialization and are so satisfied in retiring from the same position.
Success always lies in taking the measurable risk, learn new skills, and grow. Management psychologist opines that we should seriously think for a career change if we feel bored going to the same workplace and doing the same monotonous job every day. This boredom would reduce our creativity and productivity. Of course, taking a decision for a career change is a very big decision of our life, but successful planning can lead us to the top, and ignored facts can drop us down. Here are the key factors which one must consider while planning a career change.
Compliment your skills rather than taking a 360-degree turn
If you are thinking to change your career- it’s wise not to make a 360-degree change. Try to get into a career where you can use your existing skills and knowledge to complement your new role. For e.g., if you are a teacher, and you don’t have any fright of facing and talking to a large group of audience, you can think of considering a career as a professional trainer or public speaker. If, you are a sportsperson you can think of a role as a sports coach or sports teacher etc.
Plan ahead rather than blindly jump start
There are some people who abruptly resign from their existing role out of frustration, they spend a week on the couch and then start thinking what to do next. Rather than taking this abrupt decision one should plan ahead. The pre-research includes;
- Which new profession suits your skills and interest?
- Does this profession have long-term career growth?
- Does the industry grow?
- Do I need to learn some new skills in order to be successful in your new role etc. etc.
Try to do some research on these questions and take advantage of the spare time while you are employed. You can learn new skills, online after your office hours, or attend a weekend campus class while earning a steady income.
Social group support
Once you have decided that you want to explore a new career path, let friends and family know about your decision. Discuss your plan about your career change with your family members. Share information about the time you would have to spend in your new role, or for the skills you need to learn about the new role. Please do not forget to discuss the income changes and its effect/s on your family expenses.
Market yourself
Try to make new connections with professionals working in your new field of interest. Make a cold call to someone already in the profession and ask for a brief informational meeting. To learn more about the work or industry, try volunteering at events related to your desired new career. This can help you for not only make new contacts in the industry but also to develop a clearer vision of what you want to do. Be strategic when it comes to what you spend your time and effort on. Attend meetings of an association related to your desired field as a non-member. Talk to people and passively market yourself through image building.
Consult career coach
Are you thinking, is it worth paying a fee to the “Career Coach”??. The answer is, absolutely worth paying. Career coaches are the professionals, who gained deeper knowledge about the industry and they have strong connections with the professionals working in the same industry. They are the experts in their field, they know the ins and outs of the industry. They work individually with the clients and help them on their career journey. Some of the expert services which these career coaches give to their clients are:
- Setting their career goals
- Share the resources necessary for the career change
- Redesign or improve the Resume/ CV focusing on specific industry requirements and individual skills niche
- Help clients in interview preparation
- Conduct mock interview sessions
Stay positive
Some people are overwhelmed and enthusiastic when they start thinking for a new role or a new profession, but at the middle of the career change journey, they feel frustrated and started giving excuses that they want to do “A” but they couldn’t do “A” because of one hundred and one reasons. Stay positive, structured your research, and plan for the new move. To start a career change asks three questions from your inner self and find out the answer through research. These questions are:
- What new thing, which new role makes me happy?
- Does this new role have long-term opportunities?
- Do I require to learn some new skills to enter into this role?
If you follow the step by step process in your career change journey, no one can stop you from being successful.
Looking forward to hearing your Success story!