- Kris Dempster
- Wednesday, December 06, 2023
Navigating a Successful Career Change
A career change can be a scary adventure. Even considering the thought can bring on anxiety. However, with these tips, tools and resources at your disposable it can make the transition a bit easier.
Self-Awareness – Before any career change you will need to assess your transferable skills and abilities. Transferable skills are skills that can be taken from one career to the next. Think of transferable skills as part of your tool box. For example, customer service and communication skills are some of the most sought after skills in the labor market, and they can be used in any career. Consider the career you want to change into, look for job descriptions with that career and see what skills are needed. Some skills you may already have in your tool box.
Take a Career Assessment – Career Assessments are designed to help guide you toward a career that aligns with your interests, passion and purpose. They increase your self-awareness, your likes and dislikes, provide a starting point for guidance and build your knowledge about different careers. Richland Library card holders have access to a database titled, Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center, which allows you to do this. You can take a career assessment, learn about your career interests and educational pathways for all types of careers and much more.
Know the Job Market – In order for a career change, you will need to do research to learn about the particular career. Again, the library database, Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center, can help. The database offers the history and background of the career, salary information, what type of education you will need for that career, skills and abilities that relate to that career, industry outlooks, similar industries to that one specific career you are interested, and even more.
Create a Plan – The key to a career change is to have a clear and specific plan in place to transition to another career. You know what career you desire, now you have to develop a plan to go after it. Look for opportunities to grow your skillset that are related to the career and low cost. Richland Library card holders have access to LinkedIn Learning where you can learn new technical skills for free. You could even volunteer to gain new skills. Possibly, there are inexpensive classes you can take at a technical school. Look for internships that might offer instant skills that you can highlight on your résumé.
Use Your Network – This is extremely important in order for a successful career change. You know more people than you think. Use that to your advantage and rebuild that network that you never thought you had. When searching your network, you might find someone that is in the career field that you desire. Reconnect with them, ask for advice not a job and you will be surprised how your network connections respond.
Prepare for Setbacks – Career changes are not easy or everyone would do them. Be prepared for some ‘Noes’ and don’t let the 'noes' discourage you. All you need is one ‘Yes’!
Connect with Richland Library's Career Coaches - The Career Coaches have a wealth of tools and resources to help you create that path to your new career. Book an appointment with one of Richland Library's certified Career Coaches to get you on track for that new career.
Remember, you are not alone in this career change. Let us help you get to where you want to go!