If you have been thinking about a career change, now is the time to take action. Perhaps your goals, priorities, or values have shifted and no longer are being served by your current employer. Whatever your motivation may be, you can begin making changes to your future today.
Use these six tips to begin forming your new career path now.
1. Evaluate Your Job Satisfaction
Start a journal about your feelings toward your current position. For instance, keep track of recurring themes, notable events, and your reactions to them. Also, include what you like and dislike about your role and employer. Additionally, list your skills, values, and interests related to the work you enjoy. Plus, write down the times you were successful, what you were doing, and which skills played a role.
2. Determine Your Career Options
Think about the jobs and industries that may fit your skills and values. If you need help, talk to members of your network, a career counselor, or a recruiter from a local staffing firm. Use your findings to make a list of potential careers that fit your interests. Then, narrow down the options you want to research.
3. Research Job Opportunities
When you find a few career paths you may pursue, begin comparing the available jobs in each field. Evaluate which roles you want to target for more in-depth information. Use your list to set up informational interviews with professionals in the field. Be prepared with questions to learn more about the responsibilities and potential career paths of each position.
4. Create an Action Plan
Write down a clear goal for your career path with the milestones and timeline to complete it. Include the education, certification, skill development, and other opportunities that can help. Also, meet with any members of your network who may be able to help you. Ask them to put in a good word for you with potential employers and keep you informed on opportunities. Plus, look for job shadowing, volunteering, interning, or other ways you can gain the required skills and experience.
5. Gain the Necessary Education
If your new field requires a degree or certification, you may need to further your education. This could take the form of college courses, continuing education classes, or free online resources. You also may want to find opportunities at work to gain the necessary skills to change your career.
6. Track Your Progress
Monitor your advancement along your new career path. Taking notice of your successes will help you stay motivated and move forward. You may want to keep a spreadsheet to record when you reach your milestones. This provides a sense of accomplishment as you make your career change.
Ready for a New Career in Minneapolis?
Parter with a recruiter from The Right Staff to begin your new career path. Get started today.