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Naomi Rothwell-Boyd, February 1 2023

What Career Change Should I Make? 5 Steps to Help You Decide!

Making the decision to switch careers can be daunting. It's hard to figure out what career change you should make, but with careful planning and research, it can also be incredibly rewarding. If this is an option that you're currently exploring, then "what career change should I make" is a question worth asking yourself.

In order to help answer this question for yourself, we'll look at five key steps: assessing your current situation; researching different career paths; networking with professionals in your field; taking advantage of resources available; and gaining experience in any potential roles or industries. Through these five steps we'll provide insight into how best to navigate making such a big life choice.

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1) Assess Your Current Situation

Before making any decisions about a career change, it’s important to take a step back and assess your current situation. Ask yourself: What do you like about your current job? Are there any skills or experiences that you would like to develop further? Is there anything that makes you feel unfulfilled in your role?

Take the time to reflect on what kind of work environment is best for you. Do you prefer working independently or with others as part of a team? Do you need an office setting, or are remote opportunities more appealing? Consider how much flexibility and control over your schedule is necessary for success.

Think about the type of industry and company culture that appeals most to you. Are there certain values that align with yours, such as sustainability initiatives or corporate social responsibility programs? Make sure these factors fit into the picture when considering potential new roles.

It’s also important to consider what kind of career change would be the best fit for both short-term goals and long-term objectives. For example, if financial stability is key right now but creative fulfillment is desired down the line, look at options which provide both elements in different ways—such as freelancing while taking classes related to another field on nights and weekends.

Finally, think about whether this move will require additional education or training before transitioning into a new role completely. If so, research what certifications may be needed and determine if they can be obtained within a reasonable timeframe without sacrificing too much financially or professionally in order to make it happen

Once you have taken an honest look at your current situation, it's time to start researching different career paths that may be a better fit for your goals and interests.

Key Takeaway: Making a career change should be an informed decision. Take time to reflect on your current situation, consider the type of environment and industry that appeals most to you, evaluate how it fits into both short-term and long-term goals, and research any necessary certifications or training.

2) Research Different Career Paths

Researching different career paths is an important step in making a successful career change. It’s essential to take the time to understand what each potential job entails, including job descriptions, salaries, and other requirements. Doing this research can help you determine which path may be best for your long-term goals and lifestyle.

Start by exploring online resources such as websites that list available jobs or industry publications that provide detailed information about various roles within a particular field. You can also use search engines like Google or LinkedIn to find out more about specific positions or industries. Additionally, talking with professionals who are already working in the field you’re interested in can give you valuable insight into what it takes to succeed there.

Once you have identified some possible career paths, look into their educational requirements and any certifications needed for entry-level positions in those fields. Consider whether these qualifications fit within your current skill set or if additional training will be necessary before applying for jobs related to that area of work. If so, make sure you have a plan on how to obtain the necessary skills and credentials required for success in your chosen profession before taking the plunge into a new career path.

It’s also important to consider salary expectations when researching different careers paths; understanding how much money one could potentially earn from each option is key when deciding which route makes sense financially as well as professionally. Take note of any benefits associated with certain positions too – things like health insurance coverage or vacation days might factor heavily into your decision making process depending on individual circumstances and needs

Finally, don't forget about networking opportunities. Networking events are great places to not only meet people who are already established in their respective fields but also learn more about potential job openings from companies looking for qualified candidates - both invaluable sources of information when considering changing careers.

Researching different career paths can help you gain a better understanding of what opportunities are available to you and which ones might be the best fit for your skillset. Networking with professionals in your field is an important step in making a successful career change.

Key Takeaway: When considering a career change, research different paths and their associated requirements, salary expectations, benefits and networking opportunities. Make sure to have a plan for obtaining necessary skills or certifications before applying for jobs in the field.

3) Network with Professionals in Your Field

Networking with professionals in your field is a great way to gain insight into the career change process. It can help you understand what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, as well as provide tips on how to make a successful transition.

Start by researching people who have made similar transitions and reaching out to them for advice. Ask questions about their experience, such as what they wish they had known before making the switch or any tips they have for someone considering a similar move. You may also want to ask if there are any resources or contacts that could be helpful in your journey.

You should also take advantage of professional networks like LinkedIn, where you can connect with people who work in your desired industry or profession. Reach out and introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in learning more about their field, and request an informational interview or meeting so that you can get more information from them directly. This will give you an opportunity to build relationships with potential mentors and employers while getting valuable advice on how best to approach your career change.

Don’t forget about local networking events too. These events often bring together professionals from different industries who are looking for new connections – it’s a great way to meet people face-to-face and start building relationships within the community that could lead to job opportunities down the line.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals when it comes to finding contacts within your chosen industry. Ask friends, family members, colleagues at work (past and present), etc., if they know anyone working in this area whom they would recommend speaking with for advice or information regarding career changes or transitions into new fields of work.

Networking with professionals in your field can be a great way to gain insight into potential career paths, so make sure to take advantage of these opportunities. Next, let's look at how you can use available resources to further explore potential career changes.

Key Takeaway: Networking is essential when considering a career change. To get the best advice and resources, reach out to professionals in your desired field on LinkedIn, attend local networking events, and ask friends and family for referrals.

4) Take Advantage of Resources

It’s important to take advantage of the resources available when considering a career change. There are many ways to gain knowledge and insight into different industries and professions that can help you make an informed decision about your next move.

Online Courses:

Online courses are a great way to learn more about a particular field or profession without having to commit to a full degree program. Many online courses offer certification upon completion, which can be helpful in demonstrating your knowledge and skillset when applying for jobs or interviews in the industry.

Books:

Reading books on various topics related to your desired career path is another great way to gain valuable information and insights into what it takes to succeed in that field. Books written by experts who have already achieved success in their chosen profession can provide invaluable advice on how best to approach the job search process as well as tips for excelling once you land the job.

Webinars:

Webinars are a great way to gain access to industry professionals who can provide valuable advice and insight into the job search process. They offer an interactive platform for learning, allowing you to ask questions and get feedback from experts in real-time. Additionally, webinars often provide resources such as worksheets or templates that can help make your transition smoother.

Webinars provide an interactive platform where professionals share their expertise with others interested in learning more about certain topics related to their desired profession or industry. They often feature guest speakers discussing current trends, challenges, opportunities etc., giving participants an opportunity to ask questions directly from those with firsthand experience working within the field they aspire towards entering themselves one day soon.

By taking advantage of the resources available to you, such as job search sites and career coaching services, you can gain valuable insight into your desired career path. With this knowledge in hand, it's time to get some experience that will help solidify your decision to make a career change.

Key Takeaway: When considering a career change, take advantage of resources such as online courses, books and webinars to gain knowledge and insight into the industry. These can provide valuable advice on how best to approach the job search process as well as tips for excelling once you land the job.

5) Get Experience

Getting experience in the field you are interested in pursuing is an important step when making a career change. It can help make your transition smoother and increase your chances of success when applying for full-time positions. There are several ways to gain experience, such as volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with organisations related to the career path you’re considering and build relationships with professionals who may be able to provide valuable advice or assistance down the road. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the industry and develop skills that will be beneficial once you start looking for paid work.

Internships offer another option for gaining experience while exploring different careers paths. Internships allow you to gain hands-on knowledge of how businesses operate within a particular field and give employers an opportunity to evaluate potential employees before hiring them on a permanent basis. Many companies also offer internships specifically designed for individuals seeking career changes, so it’s worth researching those options as well if they apply to your situation.

Part-time jobs can also provide valuable experience while transitioning into a new career path by allowing you to explore different roles without committing too much time or money upfront. Part-time jobs often require fewer hours than full-time positions but still give job seekers an opportunity to hone their skills in their chosen profession while earning some extra income at the same time.

No matter which route you choose, getting relevant experience is essential when making any kind of career change – especially if it involves switching industries entirely. Therefore, don't underestimate its importance. Taking advantage of these opportunities will not only help prepare you for future job searches but also ensure that employers take notice when evaluating your application materials later on down the line.

Key Takeaway: Gaining experience is key when making a career change: volunteer, take an internship or part-time job to hone your skills and increase chances of success.

Conclusion

By assessing your current situation, researching different career paths, networking with professionals in your field, taking advantage of resources and getting experience you can make an informed decision about whether or not a career change is right for you.

Remember that when it comes to the question "what career change should I make?" there is no one-size-fits-all answer; what works for someone else may not work for you. Ultimately, only you know what's best for your future so take the time to weigh all of your options before making any decisions.

Uncover how to change your career today with our quick assessment quiz even if you don't know where to start - TRY PATHFINDER NOW

Written by

Naomi Rothwell-Boyd

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