The process of thinking through a successful career transition can be overwhelming and stressful, but if done correctly, it can also be satisfying and rewarding. Most people considering a career change are aware they need the change, but unaware of how to implement the change. Whether you’re a recent graduate 3-5 years out of school, or a seasoned professional 10-15 (or more) years out of school, it is not abnormal to redirect your focus and switch careers. But for both groups of people, this article should prove useful in at least beginning the process.
Stay positive….
This first piece of advice for switching careers may sound silly, but it’s probably the most important. Stay positive! Don’t get bogged down in minute details, or feel defeated each time you don’t get a call-back. Instead, focus on the bright side like the ability to practice your interviewing skills (despite a call-back), or learning something new about yourself to help with your next interview. Switching careers can often times be a lengthy process, and staying positive helps fuel this process. Without the right attitude and determination, it’s possible to run out of steam before you even gain momentum. Be proud of yourself for making such a bold decision and congratulate yourself in taking the right steps to facilitate the change. And staying positive is the first step to a successful career transition.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Confucius
Things to think about….
In switching careers, it’s best to be practical in your approach by taking pragmatic steps for a smooth transition. It makes sense to enumerate these topics so it serves as a mini check-list for you as you plan out your road-map to happiness.
- Transferable skills: Focus on transferable skills from your old career, and leverage those as much as possible. Gear your resume to highlight these important skills, and form your interview answers to emphasize these skills. Don’t shut the door on your old career and your many years of experience, but use it as a spring-board to jump-start your new career.
- Salary: Expect a pay-cut, plain and simple. Start out looking for an internship or externship to gain direct experience, and then look for a full-time position. You won’t make your old salary starting out, but if there is passion behind the work you do, it’s possible to advance quickly and surpass your old earnings.
- Expenses: If you decide to leave your old job to focus on the transition, make sure to plan accordingly for monthly expenses. Save enough money for at least six months of expenses. This would include mortgage/rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, and groceries. The last thing you want while you’re trying to better your life is end up worsening it.
- Tuition: Depending on what field you are trying to enter, it may be necessary to go back to school to learn the trade. This may include a new degree in the field of interest or just a few classes to sharpen your skill-set. Plan for the amount of time you will need to complete the degree or classes so that you don’t spread yourself too thin. Look into scholarships, grants, or employer reimbursement plans to help with the cost of tuition.
It’s important to think through your plan of switching careers so you don’t have any regrets. In a nutshell, plan your work and then work your plan!
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Network, Network, Network….
Last but not least, use and expand your network! With social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, it’s easy to engage your contacts to help with your transition and to also use their contacts for that added stretch. Try and meet professionals in the new field and set up informational interviews for any questions and concerns you have. This face-time with someone in the industry can sometimes lead to an interview or a job. It can also be a great way to learn about someone else’s journey and from their experiences. Join associations, groups, and societies, and attend their meetings. Networking can take a lot of effort on your part, and can even require you to step out of your comfort zone, but it pays off when you are trying to switch careers.
“It’s not what you know, but who you know that makes the difference.” – Anonymous
Switching Careers by Suma Sreedharan
