Whether you’ve recently graduated and are hoping to pursue a job unrelated to your degree, or are already in the workforce and ready to try something new, it can be hard to know where to begin and how to make a career change.
If you’re looking into how to make a career change, you’ve probably already started exploring best practices and must-do tips. You’re probably editing your cover letter, adding transferable skills to your resume, and getting your references in order. But if you’ve never made a career change before, first-hand advice is one of the most valuable things you can have. Keep in mind that other professionals have swapped roles and industries before, have made mistakes, and had successes. Fortunately for you, learning from their trial and error will smooth your own path!
Wondering how to make a career change? Here are 5 useful tips:
1. Don’t try to do it alone
As you’re exploring how to make a career change and contemplating how different your life might be afterward, it can feel like you’re alone in the process. But nothing could be further from the truth! Don’t try to accomplish a huge task, like making a career change, without help. Your professors, mentors, co-workers, and even family and friends are excellent resources for your journey. Chances are, someone in your circle has made a career change themselves or knows someone in your new industry who could lend a helping hand. Whatever you do, don’t cut yourself off from your personal and professional networks as you make your career change – your connections are often the most valuable resource you have! You might try doing an internship to gain some new skills - on your internship journey, you'll find mentors in your managers and team, as well as other interns who are in the same boat!
2. Don’t play it safe
Deciding to make any type of life change is challenging and making a career change is always a risk. But doing it successfully requires embracing that risk and not playing it safe when it counts. Put yourself out there – ask for advice, mentorship, and letters of reference. Don’t play down your strengths – make sure employers know exactly what would make you so valuable to them and their business.
3. Don’t be so hard on yourself
Making a career change is challenging, no matter where you are in your current career, or how much professional experience you have. Hold yourself to the highest standard, and don’t settle for less than your ultimate goals. But don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ll inevitably experience setbacks, and at those times, it’s important to remember how far you’ve come. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small! Focusing on your strengths will help you feel more confident and positive as you go into your new career, setting yourself up to make a great impression on those around you.
4. Don’t focus too much on the past
Getting caught up in your past roles, industry, or even past mistakes, can hold you back when you’re making a career change. Step outside your comfort zone, explore ideas you’ve never considered before, and above all else, keep moving forward. You’re likely leaving your current field for a reason, but rather than focusing on what you’re leaving behind, keep your attention focused on what’s ahead of you. What excites you about your future role? Where do you see yourself in five years? How does your new industry align with your passions? Keep that forward focus, no matter how difficult your job hunt becomes.
5. Don’t get caught up in what you can’t control
Knowing how to make a career change seamless is almost impossible. Every professional making such a change faces obstacles and hurdles in their path. Keep in mind that not everything is in your control. A challenging economy might make it harder to find a job. The time of year might mean you’re competing with recent graduates, or a global pandemic might put all hiring on pause. While these things may slow you down, keep your mentality focused forward, and be prepared to adapt and go with the flow when the need arises.
