Career Transition: How To Switch From One Career To Another

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At one point or another, you may have considered switching from one career to another. Perhaps your current career path is a dead end or you no longer have any interest in what you do. Changing careers can give you new enthusiasm and fulfilment if you take the right steps in the right direction. Changing careers is never an easy decision and should not be rushed. Ensure that you have the resources and capabilities you need to make it happen. 

Here are some quick tips you can apply to accomplish this:

  1. Research the new field you are interested in. Gather as much information as possible, especially on the working hours, salary rates, job descriptions and any pertinent information related to the new career. Make sure you understand what it entails before investing any effort in the transition.
  2. Get the skills you need. Almost every career transition will involve identifying your knowledge gaps and training yourself to be employable for the position you are aspiring to. Do some research on the key skills/certifications/degrees that are coveted for that position and get them, if possible.
  3. If your career transition is to a position in which you already have some experience, be sure to edit your CV to highlight this experience. Potential employers will want to see that you have experience during interviews. Be sure to highlight all the transferrable skills that can be applied in the new field.
  4. Reach out to people who already work in your desired position as a way of building your network. Express interest in what they do and ask them if they are aware of any available opportunities you can plug into. Also, identify people who have been successful following that career path and see if there are any decisions/actions you can emulate.
  5. Get some experience. You may choose to get some experience in the field you are interested in by working as an intern, a volunteer or a freelancer. Alternatively, look for existing opportunities within the organization you work to get involved in activities related to the field you are interested in.
  6. Start job hunting. Express interest in potential opportunities. In some cases, you may have to take a pay cut to get the dream job since you will be regarded as an entry-level professional if you don’t have much experience under your belt. It takes a lot of persistence and dedication but it will pay off if you stay the course.