Making A Meaningful Career Change

Thinking about a career change?

Tired of what you're doing?
Afraid it will be too great a challenge?

It doesn't have to be.

A few simple tips can help your career change be a smooth transition.

Tip 1:

Get some experience in your new field.

This may sound strange, but the best way to get a comparable position in your new field is to get experience doing the work. How?

• Volunteer
Volunteer to help out at a place that is in your new field of work. If you are moving from administrative work to mechanic work, for instance, ask to help out at your local auto repair place. You can clean tools, fetch parts, whatever is needed.
• Freelance
This works especially well in fields such as writing and graphic design, but it's not exclusive to these fields. Go back to the auto mechanic career, for instance. You can do work for friends and neighbors on the side, while still maintaining your full-time job.
• Work Part-Time
Similar to volunteering, except with pay, you could get a part-time job at a place where you can gain the experience you need to move into your chosen new field. You might be able to work Saturdays at the auto mechanic's shop, for instance.

Tip 2:

Use your current career

Does your current career offer any skills that transfer into your new field? If so, make use of these. For instance, you can craft a resume around the transferable skills instead of around your work history. You can also use these skills to get your first position in your new field.

How so? Let's look again at the secretary turned auto mechanic. Perhaps this person could get a job doing administrative work at a mechanic's shop, with the understanding that he or she would be the first choice if a mechanic position came available.

Tip 3:

Network, network, network

This does not mean attending every dinner party that might include people you want to know. It means making the most of your existing relationships and actively building new ones.

If you meet someone in your new chosen field, ask them about their work. But also show interest in them as a person. Get to know the person and build a relationship.

Don't hide that you are trying to get into their line of work. Simply don't make it the only topic of conversation.

With your existing network -

• family
• friends
• co-workers
• former classmates

-let it be known that you are looking for work in a new field. Ask them to let you know if they hear of any positions coming available.

Tip 4:

Find a mentor

Similar and somewhat related to networking, finding a mentor is a great way to learn more about the details of your new career field.

An added benefit of having a mentor is having someone who might be able to open doors for you through their own network or by offering to provide letters of recommendation.

To find a mentor, all you have to do is contact someone who does what you want to be doing. Ask the person to mentor you and explain what you are hoping to accomplish.

If you find someone to mentor you, be sure to make the most of the opportunity. Ask questions. Do any and all tasks they suggest.

On the flip side, also respect your mentor's time. If you agree to meet, be early instead of late. Don't expect this person to be at your beck and call. Odds are he or she is busy with their own career and is doing this for you out of kindness. Never forget that it is a favor, not a requirement.

These tips for making your career change a smooth one are but the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to fine tune your resume and cover letter. And brush up on your interview skills.