How to transition from one career to another when you KNOW what you want to do.

How to transition from one career to another when you KNOW what you want to do.

Switching careers can be an adventure. It can be exciting AND scare the living daylights out of you all at the same time. The process will start to feel more straight forward though once you know what you want to do next. If this is where you're at, this article is for you. If you know you want a change but don't know what you want to do, you'll want to check out How to transition from one career to another when you have no idea what you want.

Okay, so you know your current career or job is not it. You have an idea for what is and feel ready to pull the trigger. Here are 10 steps to take:

1. As you're making the transition from one career to another, first recognize how far you’ve come (important!)

We tend to focus a lot more on how far we have to go than how car we've come. Big mistake! Taking a moment to look back at how much you've achieved is really important. Thinking about your successes, even the small ones, is a helpful reminder of just how capable you are. It's also a chance to learn from tough times, past mistakes, and the lessons. It can be a good motivator and confidence booster. Reflecting on your past isn't an exercise in digging up past regrets or beating yourself up over the "what ifs" or "if onlys"—it's a helpful tool to help you move forward and create a happier and more successful future.

2. Talk to people doing the thing you want to do. Start making contacts in this new area. 

Talking to people who are already doing the job you want to switch to is incredibly valuable when changing careers. Their firsthand experiences provide insights into the daily realities of the role, helping you gain a better understanding of what to expect. By engaging in conversations with professionals in your desired field, you can learn about the challenges, joys, and unique aspects of the job. These interactions also offer a chance to ask questions, seek advice, and build a network within the industry. Hearing about others' journeys can inspire and guide your own career transition, providing valuable tips that may not be found in traditional resources. Connecting with people in your target field not only enriches your knowledge but also opens doors to potential opportunities and mentorship, making your career shift more informed and successful.

3. Do a transferable skills analysis to connect current and past experiences to the new. 

Conducting a transferable skills analysis is crucial when making a career change. Identifying the skills you've developed in your current or past roles that are applicable to your desired field helps you showcase your versatility to potential employers. It allows you to bridge the gap between different industries. Recognizing these transferable skills not only boosts your confidence but also helps you tailor your resume and interview responses effectively. Employers often value universal skills too, making you a strong candidate even if your previous experience may not seem related at first glance. Through a thorough analysis, you can strategically position yourself for success in your new career, highlighting the abilities that will contribute to your future role and demonstrating your potential for growth and impact.

4. Identify any skills or experience gaps 

Identifying skills or experience gaps is a crucial step when transitioning to a new career. Recognizing where you may lack specific skills or knowledge helps you create a targeted plan for development. This awareness allows you to proactively address these gaps through additional training, courses, or gaining practical experience. By acknowledging and addressing these gaps early on, you increase your chances of a smoother transition, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges of your new role. This self-awareness not only fosters personal growth but also demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to adapting and acquiring the necessary expertise, making you a more competitive candidate in your chosen field.

5. Make a case

Make a case for why this new area makes sense from a skills, interest, values, and lifestyle perspective. Write this down, be specific, be thorough, use examples.

If you can’t come up with answers in any particular areas, you might consider taking a few career assessments as food for thought. I can provide you with some free options I have vetted. Reach out and ask or check out my instagram as I have some posted to my highlights.

Recognizing where things might not line up when it comes to the new career option you've identified doesn't mean you need to scrap the plan. For instance, knowing the specific skills or knowledge you lack is required so you can create a targeted plan for development.This awareness allows you to proactively address these gaps through additional training, courses, or gaining practical experience.

On the other hand, if during your career transition you're starting to notice a lack of interest, or direct conflicts with your values or lifestyle ideals, look a bit closer. Does this feel like a sacrifice? If so, are you willing to make it? Does the change still feel worthwhile? Important questions! Remember, fear can bring up self-doubt. Generally speaking, I suggest making love-based decisions as opposed to fear-based ones but you want to get honest with yourself. You are always allowed to change your mind, or take things slow.

By acknowledging and addressing these gaps early on, you increase your chances of a smoother transition, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges of your new role.

This self-awareness not only fosters personal growth but also demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to adapting and acquiring the necessary expertise, making you a more competitive candidate in your chosen field.

6. Identify obstacles. 

By identifying potential challenges early in the process, you can develop effective strategies to overcome them. You can also change the plan a little (or a lot) if you determine they are deal breakers.

Whether these obstacles involve acquiring new skills, adjusting to a different work culture, or building a relevant network, understanding them allows for proactive problem-solving. This awareness also helps in setting realistic expectations. Addressing potential roadblocks head-on provides the opportunity to create contingency plans and seek guidance from mentors or industry experts. It's a key step in ensuring a smoother transition, allowing you to approach your career change with a well-informed and adaptive mindset, ready to tackle challenges as they arise.

7. Determine your options for filling in the gaps and addressing obstacles.

To determine options for filling in the gaps and addressing obstacles during a career change, start by conducting a comprehensive self-assessment. Identify the specific skills and knowledge areas where you feel less confident or lack experience. Once these gaps are pinpointed, explore various learning avenues, such as online courses, workshops, or certifications, tailored to your needs.

Leverage industry networking events and informational interviews to gain insights from professionals who have successfully navigated similar transitions. Seeking mentorship or guidance from individuals with expertise in your desired field can provide valuable advice and strategies.

Additionally, consider volunteering, internships, or freelance opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build a relevant portfolio.

Have a plan and a vision but try to stay a little open and adventurous. Don't let not knowing every exact step ahead of you stop you (some times you need to take steps 1-5 before you know steps 6-10). Remaining adaptable throughout the process will empower you to systematically address obstacles and fill in the gaps, ensuring a more successful career transition.

8. Create a skills/experience development plan and implement the plan-small ways count.

View this the same way you would a fitness plan for instance—results won't be immediate and they don’t happen by only thinking. Take small actions with regularity. You don't need to be perfect and it's normal for every step to not go according to plan. Anticipate this and have a supportive strategy in place for when things feel like they're going a little sideways.

9. Create a new resume

Even if you're not ready to move into the new career or role yet (for instance, if you're currently retraining), whipping up a new resume reinforces your commitment to the career change, showing proactive efforts to align your background with the requirements of the new role. The exercise of highlighting your experiences, accomplishments, and transferable skills gets you identifying with the new career or role. Obviously, if you already meet most of the requirements of the new position, you'll use your resume for your job search (remember to include any up skilling currently in progress related to the new area). A well-structured resume not only captures the attention of potential employers but also helps you confidently articulate your value during interviews.

10. Re-evaluate/review your plan regularly.

This is worth repeating. Don’t let not knowing the “how” of every step ahead of you stop you from taking action. You’ll learn as you go. Talk to others who have done what you want to do. Have a clear vision but hold it loosely. Be committed but open.

Can you view this as a career adventure? Can you find ways to enjoy your life as you transition in your career? 

Have you heard about the Career Mapping Experiences I offer? Work with me from anywhere across the globe. We use an innovative process to visualize your career path in an experience that's insightful, engaging, motivating, and even fun! 8 different career experiences to choose from.

Good luck and I'm cheering you on!

Christine