Posted by Does your current job make you feel as though you’re stuck in a rut? Perhaps you’ve grown tired of the industry, or maybe you’ve achieved what you set out to and now want to try your hand at something different.
The idea of starting again in a whole new career can be daunting, but these days it’s becoming increasingly common. People are no longer restricted by the job path they choose as teenagers or young adults, and modern companies and industries are more welcoming to those who are making a career pivot later in life.
So if you’re thinking of taking the plunge and starting afresh, here are some top techniques to help you succeed.
Put Yourself Out There
Depending on the industry you’re interested in moving into, who you know might be more important than what you know. As such, networking and making connections can be super helpful when contemplating a career change.
A relatively simple first step is to begin attending events such as conferences, workshops, and fairs in the field you want to work in. While you’re there, try to strike up conversations with as many people as possible. Lots of these won’t amount to much, but some could be the start of a lifelong friendship or get you a useful business contact. If you’re shy, try reaching out to people via social media instead.
Go Back to College
In many cases, getting a formal qualification in the field is the most effective way to move into a new industry. Don’t worry if it’s been a long time since you last undertook any formal education, because nowadays there are plenty of courses that are aimed at people of all ages.
Take a look at the CampusReel website to get a better idea of your chances of being accepted at the University of Georgia and other institutions, and do some research to find out what sort of program would best suit your needs and goals.
Teach Yourself
Don’t have the time or budget for a college degree? Set up a self-directed study program instead! This gives you the flexibility to design a curriculum that perfectly matches your interests, needs, and aspirations.
Maybe speaking a second language would be helpful, or perhaps you need to pick up some marketing know-how, improve your public speaking, or learn about finance. Make a list of the skills and knowledge that would be most useful for your planned career change, and use it to assess your current abilities – then fill in the gaps.
Find a Mentor
If you’d like a more personal level of guidance, finding a mentor might be just what you need to help you make your career change. Ideally, you want to find someone who is already working in the sort of position you hope to have one day and can share some advice on how to get there.
This could be someone you meet at an industry event or reach out to via email or social media. Always remember to be polite and respectful when you contact them and don’t feel disheartened if they turn you down. Keep trying, and you’re sure to find a good match before long!