Do you want to start a new career in an entirely new field? Starting a new career can be a rewarding experience. It can also be daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to start.
The good news is that if you’re looking to start a new career, there are hundreds of resources and avenues to explore.
How to start a new career path: Resources if you want to start a new career
Getting a new career started can be daunting, especially if you aren’t sure what you’d like to do next. The key is to use your existing skills and experience and to follow your interests when you begin a new career. Here are a few steps to consider:
Assess your skills and interests.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Why don’t you want to stay in this career? Are there elements of your job that you really enjoy that are transferable to a new career? Once you understand your skills and interests well, you can start narrowing down your options.
Research different career paths.
Once you have a few career paths in mind, take some time to research them further. Learn about the job duties, education and training requirements, and salary expectations for each career path. You don’t want to switch careers and then find that there are things you hate about that path as well. Talk to people who work in the field. One of the best ways to learn about a career path is to talk to people working there. They can tell you about their day-to-day experiences, the challenges and rewards of the job, and anything else you need to be successful.
Get the necessary education and training.
Some career paths require a formal education, while others can be learned through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Research the education and training requirements for the career path you’re interested in and make a plan to meet them. If that doesn’t work, consider enrolling in online courses or boot camps so you can study part-time while working. This can help you gain the skills you need to switch without requiring you to invest heavily in full-time studies.
Network with people in the field.
Networking is a great way to learn about job opportunities and meet people who can help you advance your career. Attend industry events, join online communities, and contact people you know who work in the field. Be open and honest about your ambitions and open to new opportunities in your field. Use tools like LinkedIn to find companies and professionals you are interested in and let them know you are open to work.
Tailor your resume to each job you apply for, including your cover letter
You might be a veteran, but you must put your best foot forward. Take the time to tailor each application to each job you apply for. This shows employers that you’re interested in the specific job and have the skills and experience they seek.
Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, but it’s essential to be prepared. Practice your skills with a friend or family member, or consider hiring a career coach to help you prepare.
Always remember:
- Be patient. It takes time to find a new job and to establish yourself in a new career. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right away. Keep networking, applying for jobs, and developing your skills.
- Be flexible. Be willing to relocate for a job or to start in a lower-level position. As you gain experience, you can move up the ranks and into more senior positions.
- Be persistent. Don’t give up on your dream career. Keep working hard and networking; eventually, you will achieve your goals.
If necessary, get in touch with a professional recruiter in the industry you’re interested in and ask which qualifications and qualities they value the most. Set up job alerts and study the job descriptions. What are companies looking for? Can you meet their requirements?
Remember, if you want to start a new career, you have to make career-switching your full-time job.
