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Key Steps for a Successful Career Change

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Last Updated on July 30, 2024

If you are interested in a new career, then you will not be alone. Many people will look to change careers for a variety of different reasons. You might have changed life goals, and now want to do something for a job that aligns better with your lifestyle. Your health might have changed or you might just no longer enjoy what you do and want to get that passion for your career back. More money and more flexibility are also other things that people want from a career change, to name only a few. 

Before you delve into thinking about what career you would like to change to, it is time to think about your life at the moment. What career options would be open to you as things stand? What career types appeal to you the most? Here are some things to think about when it comes to switching careers.

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12/22/2024 05:38 am GMT

Key Steps to Take

  • Self-Assessment: Take time to evaluate your strengths, interests, and values. Understanding what motivates you and where your skills lie is crucial in determining the right career path and ensuring long-term satisfaction in your new role.
  • Research Career Options: Explore various industries and roles that align with your self-assessment. Look into job descriptions, required skills, and potential career growth to find options that match your interests and strengths.
  • Set Clear Goals: Define your career objectives, both short-term and long-term. Having specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated, and will guide your decision-making process throughout your career change journey.
  • Gain Relevant Skills: Identify any gaps in your skillset that are necessary for your desired career. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or obtaining certifications to build the skills required for success in your new field.
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  • Network Strategically: Connect with professionals in your target industry through networking events, social media, and professional organizations. Building relationships can provide valuable insights, advice, and job opportunities.
  • Update Your Resume and LinkedIn: Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your new career goals. Highlight relevant experience, transferable skills, and any new qualifications to make a strong impression on potential employers.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Consider working with a career coach or mentor who can provide personalized guidance, support, and feedback. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities of a career change more effectively.
  • Gain Experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in your new field, such as internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions. Hands-on experience can enhance your resume and boost your confidence.
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  • Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your plans as you learn more about your new career. Flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected challenges and opportunities, increasing your chances of success.
  • Maintain a Positive Mindset: Embrace the journey with a positive attitude and persistence. Career changes can be challenging, but maintaining optimism and resilience will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Think about current job satisfaction

It is a good idea to look at and evaluate what you currently think about your job. Are there some aspects that you like, but others that you hate? Are the things that you dislike strongly connected to people or the job itself? If it relates to the job itself, then you could look for a complete switch. If it is more related to who you work with, then it could just be about relocating to a new company. 

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Interests, values, and skills

It is important to look at some of your past roles, projects, and even things like volunteering to see if there are any elements that you prefer to do than what you are currently doing. If you are a volunteer treasurer of a charity, for example, would something like a Xero accounting course be of benefit, if you like the financial aspect of your volunteering role? Think about your core values and core skills, and how they are addressed with what you do at the moment. Then you can go from there and think about alternatives.

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Find out more

If there is a certain sector that appeals to you, then you need to think about getting more information about it. If you know someone in that industry, then getting in contact with them can help to provide some invaluable help and information. Think about people you know from previous roles, as well as contacts and friends from school or college. Are they doing what you want to do and could they offer some advice or guidance? LinkedIn can be a good place to start with this too, and you never know; you could even find something like an internship or secondment to try it out.

Upgrade your skills

Before you up and leave what you are currently doing, it can be a good idea to develop some new skills that could help you with the new path that you want to take. Is there any in-house training that you could do? How about some classes that you could do alongside your current role? Skills pay the bills, so look at what you could work towards.

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Additional Resources

  1. 7 Steps of Your Career Ladder: How To Create Your Own Successful Career Path
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    7 Steps of Your Career Ladder helps you take full control of your career success by showing you how to define your objectives, leverage your strengths, latch onto unexpected opportunities, and determine your own North Star career goal.


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    12/22/2024 08:34 am GMT
  2. AI Career Pathways: Navigating the Future
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    This book provides an in-depth look at the various career paths available in the AI industry. It covers everything from the basics of AI to the most advanced technologies, giving readers the tools they need to make informed decisions about their future.

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    12/22/2024 08:34 am GMT
  3. The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success
    $20.00 $10.97

    Whether you're a seasoned professional in search of a career change or a beginner just entering the working world, you want to make the right choices from the beginning. 

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    12/21/2024 10:13 pm GMT
  4. 7 Steps of Your Career Ladder: How To Create Your Own Successful Career Path Like A Champion!
    $13.77
    Learn More

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    12/22/2024 08:34 am GMT
  5. Career Directions: The Path to Your Ideal Career
    $117.55 $47.93
    Learn More

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    12/22/2024 01:59 am GMT
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