Lots of people think once you’re in a job or industry you’re there for life. While this is a perfectly acceptable way to go through your working career, it’s also totally ok and normal to want a change of pace and try something entirely new. Career changes can be scary. After all, you’ve spent countless years doing something else and you may be considering a change to an industry you don’t have much experience in, such as getting an online bsw degree.
Making a career change can be daunting, but there are a few things you can do to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Follow these tips and you’ll make the process as simple as you can.
Network First
The most important thing you can do for your professional career is to network. Meeting people, no matter who they are, can give you advice, tips, tricks and even help you meet other people who can find you a job. Before you consider taking the leap to change your career, make sure you network and talk to people in the industry you’d like to move to.
They may be able to provide insight and advice and introduce you to people who can make your career change easier or who even may be able to offer you a job. Before you quit your current one, make sure you’re connected a little in the industry you’re moving to.
Do Your Research
Of course you would never make a career change without actually doing the necessary research, but there may be some things you need to think of that haven’t yet crossed your mind. Apart from feeling out the job market in this new career, you’ll need to look at the actual jobs that are out there and what kind of experience they require. It may be a good idea to take some classes or brush up on some knowledge or get certified for something before you go to apply to job—you may find it gives you a necessary leg up.
Set Your Expectations Lower
Setting your expectations low can be disappointing, but it’s a necessary part of making a career change because otherwise you may end up being even more disappointed and frustrated at the end. Ultimately, when you’re making a career change you’re moving to something where you’ll probably need to start at the bottom again.
Some people aren’t ok with this and struggle being at the bottom of the totem pole again. So just make sure you’ve considered this and are prepared for coming in at a lower level job.
Career changes can be nerve wrecking but they don’t need to be impossible. If you’re smart about it and make sure to meet people and put yourself out there, you’ll be better off. Making a career change can be incredibly rewarding, just make sure you’re preparing for it ahead of time.
