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7
Steps to Career Change
Don Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
Are you thinking of changing your career? The process can be overwhelming.
The purpose of this article is to assist you in your process of making a career change and reduce the stress of discovering your new career.
- Begin with the question, why? Are you changing for money? Are you tired of your work? Are you looking for more of a challenge? Do you want to use more of your skills? Do you need personal contact with other people?
- What
skills do you possess? Write out all your skills
but don't forget your hobbies. What skills will you need
in your new position and how will you obtain those skills?
You may not find a position that requires all your skills
but you may surprise yourself. Some of these skills
may provide a door into your new career.
- What is an ideal work environment? How far do you want to drive? Do you want to work in a team or alone? Do you want your own business? Do you want to work from home? What other considerations do you have in making this position a reality?
- How would you like to work? Full-time? Part-time? Do you envision this position to last...1 year, 5 years? Do you hope to start out working long hours and reduce them after a few years? Will this position be a career position that you hope to make into a lifetime? Are you willing to work your way up the ladder?
- How
will you learn more about your new career? Set
a time frame for doing research. The number one reason for
failure will be not taking enough time to lay out your plan
carefully. Begin your study with the internet. Visit libraries
and schools who specialize in what you hope to do. Consider
taking classes part-time. Read as much as you can.
Are there people doing what you hope to do, if so, visit
their work site.
- Who can assist you? Talk with everyone you know; begin with your family and friends. Their support or lack of it will go a long way in your success or failure. Network with people of all ages and professions. Develop a list of people you value and respect; schedule coffee time and lunches and let them know before you meet with them what you hope to talk with them about. Most people will gladly take the time to assist you. Don't forget your financial planner in your career plans. Consider hiring a career coach to assist you with your career change. Be prepared to accept and reject some of everyone's advice; remember this is your plan.
- When
do you begin? Ok, you've done your homework, set
a realistic timeframe, you're prepared financially and mentally,
enlisted the support of people you respect, inventoried
your skills and abilities and studied all the options. Now
is the time. Go for it.
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