Even the most successful people find themselves plateauing in their career and feel a need to make a change. Has this happened to you? If yes, then you’ve hit a pivot point in your career. With continuous advances in technology, there are new and exciting opportunities on the horizon that may leave you wanting to switch lanes and start down a new career path. To switch careers effectively and successfully, you need four things: clarity, courage, confidence, and competence. Furthermore, there are steps you must take to ensure you are ready for this next step:
Self-Assessment – What do I want?
Start by doing a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work, and what you’d be compelled to do even if you never got paid. It’s important to articulate your core values because they act as your compass, particularly during times of change. Do as much research and exploration, and dig as deeply as you can to determine what you really want from this career change.
Understand your Skill Set
Once you’ve decided on the path you want to take, find out exactly what this new career entails and what skills and experiences are required. Understand what you want to do, what the marketplace will allow you to do, and what is important to hiring managers in this new field. We all have a unique combination of assets such as personality, skill sets, abilities and experiences that we bring to the table. Take stock of these assets and ask yourself “are any of these skills transferable?” You may not have direct experience in your new career but perhaps some of the skills you’ve learned in your present career are transferable. If these skills aren’t transferable, ask yourself if you are willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. In some cases, transitioning to a new career means going back to school to learn new skills, ask yourself if you are willing to go back to school, even if it is just for a few courses. At ETS, we meet a lot of people who want to make a career change – mostly from Industrial to Administrative. Unfortunately, this is not always an easy path to follow and extensive training is needed to make that switch. It’s imperative that you take the advice of your recruiter and get the training necessary to make that pivot.
Network with Everyone
It really can be all about who you know. Check your contacts, peruse LinkedIn and look at others’ career trajectories to see how they got where you want to go. Ask friends and family if they know anyone working in the field or companies you are interested in, and attend events, trade shows, or conferences where you can meet and engage with people in your field of interest. Set up an informational interview with an ETS recruiter to get an inside look into the industry and career, and find out what opportunities we have available.
The process of identifying who you really are and determining the pathway the best aligns with your values, visions and needs takes time, energy, patience, trust and commitment. ETS recruiters are here to partner with you during this transition. They take the time to understand your career vision and help you navigate a strategic pathway to success, giving you confidential advice and guidance throughout. To set up a meeting with an ETS recruiter call the office at (518) 562-4673.