There are many options for anyone who’s planning a career change. You can choose to take a different role in your company, move to another department, or enter a new industry. No matter what type of change you have in mind, consider that your plan is possible.
Overthinking is common to people wanting to change careers, but you have to look at it as part of your growth. Just believe in your capabilities and strive for what you think will help you grow.
Preparation is key for a career change, and you need to be proactive in making the change you want. Here are some steps for anyone preparing for a career change.
Assess Your Present Career
Being honest with yourself and understanding your present career situation can inspire you to grow. The motivation for a career change may have something to do with various reasons, and it may prompt you even before fully knowing what you need to do.
It’s crucial to look at your current job – what you love about it and the aspects you’re ready to let go for a new career. An honest assessment of your present position can help you decide better and be prepared for a new career path.
Take note of these questions to make things clear for you before making your decision, and you can also read reviews about online learning platforms to hone your knowledge and skills.
- Do the values you espoused align with your current career? For example, do you have an outlet to express your creativity or explore more opportunities in your present position?
- Does your current job make you feel satisfied? Do you see room for growth and improvement professionally or career-wise in it?
- Are you willing to let go of some perks in your present position in place of new opportunities and challenges?
Know Your Career Goals
Be sure of what you want to experience or achieve in your new career. If you know your career goals deeply, you can center your attention and efforts on realizing them. Try to imagine if your new career choice will fit the lifestyle you want, your values, your happiness, and your advancement.
Consider your career as integral to your whole life. So, you have to think about the work-life balance your job provides you. Your work will have an impact on essential aspects of your life. That’s why you should consider carefully before shifting to a new career.
Search for New Careers
Nowadays, there are many career opportunities that may fit what you want to achieve in life. Create a list of potential jobs you would like to experience and help you grow. Then, do your research online or through various employment sources.
Look for information about new jobs, employment growth forecasts, the average salary of specific jobs, educational requirements, and others. If you find a shortlist of potential careers that fit your interests, passions, and goals, you can consider applying for them.
In your current position, you may have a network of professionals that can help you understand shifting to a new career. You can also ask some individuals if they know people in the career field you want to venture into.
Read Job Descriptions
Based on the idea and information in the previous section, it’s crucial to read job descriptions to know the skills and experiences employers are searching for in a job applicant. Even if you’re not ready to send an application, reading job descriptions helps you focus your mind on a potential career path.
Pay attention to the expectations and requirements stated in job descriptions. See to it that you have the skills and experience needed, and highlight them in your resumes and interviews. You can match your capabilities with their ideal candidate by reading job descriptions.
Identify Priority Growth Areas
Probably, you find that there are some requirements that aren’t sufficient for your current skills. So, make them a motivation to hone your capabilities and learn new things. You can make a priority list of the skills or knowledge you need to learn while preparing for your new career path.
Certifications obtained from training and seminars are valuable credentials that can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. For example, the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is a widely recognized certification in the financial industry, required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for individuals looking to enter the securities industry. By successfully passing the SIE exam, individuals demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental securities industry concepts and regulations, which is crucial for pursuing a career in fields such as investment banking, securities trading, or financial advisory. To prepare for the SIE exam, candidates can utilize various free and paid resources online, such as the SIE exam practice flashcards at Career Employer test prep website that offer a convenient and effective way to review key concepts, test one’s knowledge, and identify areas that may require further study, ultimately helping candidates increase their chances of success on the SIE exam.
Joining training and seminars is crucial to learn new stuff related to your desired job. Gather the training and seminar certificates and provide them as proof when applying for your new career. You can also gain experience through volunteer work or job shadowing. Again, make some efforts to prepare yourself for the new career you want.
Final Thoughts
Career change is a crucial decision that you have to make. It requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure that you won’t regret what you leave behind and you can look forward to a new opportunity ahead of you. Assess your present job, know your goals, do some research, and identify priority growth areas when deciding on a career change.
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