Changing careers can be difficult. Whether you’re considering a change in a career path because you feel your current position is no longer fulfilling, or because you’re unhappy in it, there are a few key steps you can take to succeed. First, assess your interests and talents. Then, develop an action plan.
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Getting a graduate degree
Getting a graduate degree is an excellent option if you want to change careers. A graduate degree will not only give you the knowledge and skills you need to get a new job, but it will also give you the opportunity to explore new interests and options. Pacific Lutheran University offers graduate programs that will help you change careers.
A graduate degree in injury law, for instance, could lead to a career in the field like a Virginia wrongful death lawyer. This field is constantly expanding, and those who pursue a degree in this area will be better equipped to land a job after graduation. There are also many free resources available to students who want to change their career.
Networking in a new industry
When changing careers, you need to expand your network of people. This can be done by joining professional groups on social media, or you can even expand your network within the field that you are interested in. If you have a friend or family member who works in the industry you’re interested in, you can ask them if they know anyone who can help you.
You can also attend industry events. These events are organized for professionals and may have a social element, but they also provide the opportunity for thought leaders to share information about the industry. Try to attend as many as possible. You can also use websites like Meetup to find professional networking events in your area.
Assessing your interests and talents
One of the first steps in changing careers is to assess your interests and talents. Careers are often shaped by the people who fill them, so assessing your interests and talents is essential to make an informed decision. Luckily, there are a number of tools available to help you with the process.
The iSeek online survey, for example, lets you rate your interests in various activities and school subjects. It’s free, easy to use, and takes between five and ten minutes. Another free tool is MyNextMove, which draws on O*Net information to help you decide what career will best fit you. It’s a comprehensive assessment of your skills and interests, and it takes just a few minutes to complete.
Making an action plan
Making an action plan when changing careers is a crucial part of the process. It can help you get started by breaking down the big picture goal into smaller steps. For example, you might decide to take a training course or do some volunteer work. You should make sure that you set SMART goals for each step, so that you can track progress. You should also create an overall timeline for when you want to achieve your goal. Keep in mind that everyone’s timeline differs.
Once you have your timeframe in mind, you can begin making an action plan for your career change. Start by considering which career path will suit you best. Some people prefer to start with their primary objective and work backwards from there. Either way, make sure that the plan is clear and easy to follow.