Changing careers is an exciting move for many, a chance to do what you love, or discover new talents. It can be daunting to change your career path, and you might not be sure where to begin. To help you navigate this journey, here are six handy tips.
1 . Book careers coaching
If you’re serious about changing careers it’s a good idea to book a few sessions with a careers coach. These professionals can help you to assess your options, and figure out your next career move. Career coaches can support you to:
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Identify interests and career goals.
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Plan strategic moves to advance in your career.
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Review your resume and offer feedback.
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Rehearse tactics for job interviews, and provide tips.
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Helps with job searches, and give advice.
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Provide aptitude tests, to determine talents.
2. Build your personal brand
If you’re looking to change careers you’ll want to start building your own personal brand.
But what exactly is a personal brand? According to Influencer Marketing Hub, ‘Your personal brand is how you promote yourself. It is the unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want the world to see you.’ You might like to think of your personal brand as your story, and how you want to be perceived, in terms of your career.
To build your personal brand start by listing your skills and your strengths. Think about what makes you stand out. Consider how you can tell your story in an interesting way.
You can use a professional blog to tell the story of your brand.
3. Research in-demand roles
If you’re not sure which kind of new career you’d like to pursue, start by researching which roles are currently in demand. Research from The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook, shows that cybersecurity roles are currently in high demand. The sector has been growing rapidly because our online security needs are becoming more complex. If you’re interested in exploring the world of cybersecurity you might want to look into a masters in cybersecurity online.
According to Linked In, other in-demand roles include Artificial Intelligence Practitioners, User Experience Professionals, and Mental Health Specialists. It’s worth figuring out what’s most important to you in a new role. For some people, salary is the most important thing, for others, it’s finding a rewarding role.
4. Return to your passions
A career change is a chance to return to your passions, an opportunity to consider what really makes you happy. Think about your ideal role, (of course, keep it realistic)! Here are a few questions to delve into your passions:
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Which subjects did you love the most when you were still studying?
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Do you have any hobbies that could direct your career path?
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What is it that you don’t like about your career now?
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If someone asked you to describe your one true passion, what would you say?
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Do you like the idea of a career that helps others?
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Is salary the most important thing to you?
5. Online networking
When you’re approaching a career change, networking is a fantastic idea. Linked In is a great place for online networking, and here are a few alternative options:
Lunch Club: With the help of the Lunch Club app you can connect with professionals, for virtual lunch dates. Tell the app all about your career goals and your interests, Lunch Club will help you to find appropriate connections.
Common Connect: This app can help you to find like-minded professionals. First, you need to select your industry, and your role. From here, you can set the location, and establish a few goals. The app has a simple interface where you can browse profiles and reach out to professionals. Who knows, the right connections could lead to an exciting new opportunity.
6. Develop your side hustle
Perhaps you’ve already got a side hustle on the go? If so, you might consider developing your side hustle into your full-time career? Being your own boss has plenty of advantages. As an entrepreneur, you get the chance to be creative, and learn plenty of new skills. If you’re considering starting your own business, check out podcasts like ‘How To Build A Startup’, or ‘Build A Badass Business’.
There are plenty of ways to approach a career change, from building a personal brand to studying an online course. Take your time when you are planning your next career moves. You’ll want to ensure that you are making a well-informed decision.