When you are planning a career change there are seemingly endless tasks you need to do. Here is a 5 step guide to career change which will help you manage these tasks more effectively and achieve your goals more quickly.
Step #1 Discover What You Really Want
Some of you will know this already, having cherished a dream for years or perhaps recently discovered a new interest.
But for others, this is perhaps the most important step and can be the most difficult. If you have been in a career you don't enjoy for a long time, it can be difficult to imagine that work can actually be enjoyable.
If you know that you want to change career, but have no idea what you'd like to do, it's time for a little soul searching. You may have some buried dreams which you haven't thought about for a long time and which you never imagined could lead to a career. Dig them out of the shadows and have a closer look.
Or you may have developed new skills in your present job or your life outside work. It is possible that you once used certain skills which you did enjoy, but your job has now changed and this is no longer possible.
Come up with a list of any career which interests you. You can discuss this with friends and family who might be able to give you some clues about your skills or about interests which could relate to a career.
Step #2 Do Your Background Research
This step will help you to find out what the careers on your list involve, how you can gain the necessary qualifications and skills and information about salary, progression and training. It is easy to find detailed information about careers online, simply search for job descriptions or career profiles. One good tip is to try to talk to several people who are involved in the career, preferably at different levels. This will help give you an insider's view and enable you to narrow the choice.
Step #3 Update Your Skills
Once you have chosen the right career for you, you will need to make sure you have the qualifications you need. The amount of work required to complete this step will vary enormously, depending on your existing experience and the new career you plan to take up. Refine the research you did in step 2, by focusing on the exact training, experience and skill needed for this career. Look at the different ways in which you can train - on the job, by taking part-time or full-time courses or by completing an online qualification.
Step #4 Plot Your Course
Next you need to work out how you will get from where you are now to where you want to be. Will you need to stay in your present job while you complete a college course, or would you be able to get an entry level job in your new career? Or perhaps you need a job elsewhere, as a stepping stone, which can give you more relevant experience than you can get with your current employer.
Step #5 Find A Job
Once you are ready to make the move, it's time to find your first job in your new career. Using your research again, you should have a good idea how to go about this. You will also need to build a network of contracts to help you and you'll need to know how to create a good resume and covering letter.
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