Transitioning careers, between jobs and organizations, can seem like a massive ask. After all, it’s very easy to become comfortable in a singular route and follow that path for all its worth. No matter who you are, you’re likely to feel some nerves as you branch out and see what your options are. It’s only natural.
However, there are certainly more than a few practices you can use to make that process easier to deal with. This is especially true if you’re nervous and not sure where to begin. After all, logically we know we’ll be fine as we make good on any opportunities, but it’s very hard to think that way when everything is up in the air and you don’t know what the future holds.
Without further ado, let’s help you in that effort:
Get A Real Feel For The Market & Its Direction
Now, before you jump in with both feet, you want to spend a decent amount of time just observing the market you want to enter. You should look at everything and assume nothing, such as finding out which companies are hiring and what salary ranges are typical for your desired role. If you have this research approximated, it helps you set realistic expectations and negotiate more easily when an offer finally comes in.
It’s also helpful to pay attention to where the industry seems to be moving. With AI, we’re seeing many changes; unfortunately, some companies are going all-in and laying off thousands of workers. If you have the time, look for industry reports and follow thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn to marinate in the culture of the industry you’re considering.
Have Some Savings To Buffer You
Taking the leap into a new job or even a new field is stressful enough.Unless you’ve been laid off, you shouldn’t have to start worrying aboutwhere your next paycheck is coming from.If you’re able to, it’s helpful to put aside a financial cushion for yourself before you resign from your current position, as thinking of this as your personal safety net can do wonders for your peace of mind while you’re searching.
If you do have even a little financial breathing room, you won’t feel pressured to take the first offer that comes along, which could be the wrong fit entirely. It also gives you the power to be a little choosier, find something you’re more excited about, or be more daring with your career-switching options. Having a buffer (even for just a couple of months) also lets you focus on interviewing well and preparing for your next role, rather than constantly checking your bank balance.
This is easier said than done, and we understand most people have wildly different circumstances, but this remains a good idea regardless.
Consider Education Leading To Networking & Opportunities
If you can use education as a stepping stone, you may find you get more wriggle room. It, of course, gains you a qualification, but can also introduce you to new people and open doors. If you’re looking to move into a completely different field, like the highly in-demand tech sector, pursuing a cyber security degree or a specialised certification can help you refit your current capabilities in the right direction.
Many think it’s just the certification that has the sway here, but you’ll be connecting with instructors who are industry experts and classmates who are also hungry for a career change. If those people become your immediate, built-in network, it could help give you a touch of insight into the market and maybe even lead to job referrals before you finish. The learning process also proves you’re serious about the switch and gives you a foundation to speak confidently about your new skills.
Refit Your Skillset
Think about all the tasks and projects you’ve completed in your career so far, even the ones that don’t seem relevant right now, and then start to translate them. You may think you don’t have what it takes, but as you find out pretty quickly in any new place, any job requires a collection of universal or ‘soft’ skills that are helpful everywhere you go – like great communication, project management, and problem solving. You want to make sure you’re also highlighting those transferable abilities in your updated resume and during interviews.
For example, if you have strong project management skills, could you apply them in a production role at a local television studio? Well, yes, you won’t be starting from zero. Once you have the universal skills sorted, you can focus on upskilling for the target industry. If you’re aiming for something very specific, you’ll need to figure out which technical skills are currently in high demand and then look for short, intense online courses or certifications, as we mentioned, or you can make it a wider career investment and sometimes even have your employer invest in your education.
Use All Social Connections You Can
We don’t make this point in order to sound like brutal social climbers who only network because it’s good for getting ahead, but it’s true that who you know, not necessarily what you know, is the final stage of getting in somewhere good. Don’t feel shy about letting your friends, former colleagues, and even casual acquaintances know you’re looking to transition your career. It’s quite surprising how often a completely unexpected connection can potentially help you move into a great opportunity.
All you have to do is reach out to people for an informal chat; call it an ‘informational interview.’ Remember that you aren’t asking them for a job directly; you’re asking for their perspective on their industry and their career path. Most people are happy to share their story, and getting any real-world insight at all can be a huge boon. Maybe they’ll refer you to someone. Don’t be entitled, of course, but don’t feel ashamed of this approach either.
With this advice, we hope you can make transitioning careers much more seamless and possibly more fruitful.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich; Unsplash
