As Spring is approaching, this season comes with a refreshing sense of change and improvement. Maybe your area of change is related to your career. Maybe the pandemic has made you think twice about what your next steps are. Making the leap to change your career may seem like a daunting endeavor, but if you set yourself up for success, the process can and will be rewarding. Follow this step-by-step list of what you should do to pivot your career:
Decide why you want a career pivot, and if it’s right for your current situation
Depending upon the type of career you want to switch to, this can affect a lot in your life: where you live, the hours you work, the education required, and so on. Ask yourself these questions:
Is this an impulsive desire or a longing you’ve had in the back of your mind for an extended amount of time?
Is this something you can visualize yourself doing?
Are you willing to put in the time and effort?
Are you willing to start at the bottom and work your way up?
Determine your qualifications, and gaps
Now that you’ve made your decision, it’s time to look at how your prior experiences can serve you moving forward. If your career change allows you to have a shot with the education you currently have – great! If not, make sure you’re fully aware of what you need to start getting credit for, so you have the necessary credentials.
Review the work experiences you’ve already had– and how you can apply them to the new career path. If your experiences have any overlap, that’s great, but if there isn’t much relation there, this is where you need to start gaining more experience. You might have to start over. But that’s ok – changing your career path is new and exciting! A multitude of experiences is ahead for you.
Be proactive about filling your gaps
Since you’ve determined what it is you have and don’t have, now it’s time to fill those gaps. Start with research– take the time to understand more about the career you’re looking to switch into. Be educated about where the industry is going, the pay, etc. You can also fill some gaps by networking – connection LinkedInwith leaders in your desired industry. Find people that will give you 10 minutes out of their day to have a conversation. Ask questions! Next, find tangible experience to get on your resume that will help you land a job in your desired field. This can be in the form of volunteering or indirectly related jobs. Just get the experience needed to put you on the path to being noticed by employers in the industry.
Set intentions and goals to own your story
Be mindful during this time and set your intentions. Where do you want to be in 6 months, a year, and five years? Write these goals down and keep moving forward with daily tasks that nudge you closer to those goals. Switching your career will be a process but embrace it! This is your story, and you are the main character. Embrace the transition and learn along the way. Employers will recognize your grit to make your dreams a reality.
Take any relevant opportunity you can get
While you’re moving into a different field, you are more than likely to start at the bottom of the totem pole. Especially if your previous career has little or nothing to do with your desired career. These are your moments to fully learn and gain knowledge from those around you. Your first opportunity may not seem like the perfect fit, butthat’sokay. Take those opportunities as they come and embrace them. Learn from them and move forward.
Work with a recruiter
If there’s any time in your career to work with a recruiter, it’s during a career change. Their job is to have all the knowledge of the industry, so you don’t have to. A recruiter will help guide you through this process of finding a job in a field you are inexperienced in. Per Se Group has a team of experts that work every day to make those dreams a reality
If you’re consistently keeping your goals in mind, you will be successful in moving towards your new career. Focus on one day at a time, and not the overwhelming notion that you will make this happen overnight. Change is gradual, but if you put in the work, your career will follow.