In this report, we will review some established techniques and concepts you can use to make certain that your decision to change careers is the right decision for you, and to help make your career transition as smoothe as possible. While there are 10 key important career change issues to consider, we'll cover more than the 10 key elements mentioned in the title, as there are more than 10 important career changes to consider before actually changing careers. Almost everyone has, at some point or another, felt the desire to get out of a particular job, whether its because of working conditions, or an overbearing boss, or because the challenge or salary were just not enough for them at that point in their career. But, changing career fields is not to be taken lightly. When a person decides to change completely the kind of work that they do, or the industry in which they work, it is a much more challenging process than simply going out and finding a new job. Even though the desire to change fields is not at all unusual, the amount of effort that it takes to be successful in a career change is. Organization, attention to detail, careful design and creation of supporting materials, completing additional training, licenses and certifications are just some of the considerations that people who are starting a new career in a different field must face, but the primary thrust of your program must be a strong and effective sales and marketing campaign. While it is beyond the scope of this program to educate you to the specifics of such a campaign, what follows is a series of steps you can take to make sure that the decision youve made to change career fields is the right decision for you. In the first place, research the training, skills, aptitudes, interests, and other personal and professional attributes that it takes to be successful in the field youve chosen to go into. If you are leaving a position as the head of a technical communications team to run a llama ranch in Colorado, it may not seem, on the surface, that there are any crossover skills that would apply. But, in reality, organizational skills, in-depth familiarity with process identification and implementation, personal communications skills and attention to detail, coupled with a personal love of animals, might make you the ideal llama ranch manager. When youve researched the skills and abilities that are required, compare that list to a list of your own skills. If you have all or most of the skills already under your belt, then your career move may, indeed, be a good choice. If not, you should consider the amount of time, effort, and money it will require to get yourself up to speed. Talk with people who already work in the field that youve chosen. You can gather a great deal of information about the daily routine, and whether or not youll find the work challenging and satisfying from casual conversations with professionals in your new area Use the Internet to research your new industry. Visit the websites of companies, organizations and professional associations in that field. Review job postings for open positions. You will gain valuable insight into the industry as a whole, and begin to build a list of prospective employers for which you want to work. Needless to say, it is also very helpful if you have friends, family, or acquaintances who are already working in that industry. Having people inside can open doors for you, and help you to begin to build a network of contacts to support you not only in your initial move to a new industry, but also in building your new career in the future. Other obvious, but often overlooked, sources of information are trade journals and publications. You can often subscribe to newsletters from companies or professional organizations for free. Another choice are Trade publications, which offer great insight into a specific vocation or industry. On a personal note, it will make your career move much more exciting and enjoyable if you have the support of your family and your loved ones. Even if they are not as confident and as excited as you are, you should at least determine that they are not going to make your transition more difficult by offering you active resistance. It is also a good indication that this is the right decision for you if you have discussed it with professional acquaintances, mentors, and peers who are well aware of your abilities and your limitations, and they are supportive of your choice. It is also important for you to understand not only what is attractive and exciting about your new career field, but also what the drawbacks and issues are. Be very careful to give yourself a balanced perspective on all aspects of the field youve chosen. If you are still determined to make the change, even after youve educated yourself to the downside of your new career, you can proceed with confidence. Along the same line, launching a new career will bring about changes in your lifestyle, your leisure time, your circle of friends, your job satisfaction level, and even the kinds of experiences you will have. Be sure to consider all these aspects, both yourself and with your loved ones, as these aspects of your decision may impact their lives as well. If you have given the proper consideration to the points that have been raised, and pursued the activities suggested, and you are still determined to make this major life change, chances are excellent that you will have the confidence, the persistence, and the will to do whatever it takes to succeed. Good Luck With Your Job Search |
