How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On

In this day and age change seems to be almost unavoidable. The latest and greatest products are announced mere weeks after the newest models hit the market. It's possible to "change" your relationship status with the click of a button. Some changes are easy, like asking for something different every time you get a haircut. Other types of change can be very difficult, like moving to a new city where you don't know anyone. Regardless, no matter the type of change we are encountering, there are steps and evaluations along the way that can help us in the time of transition. This may not be more evident than when we experience a change in Career. Whether it's a small change or a big life-altering career move, it is encouraged more than ever to switch careers, as it is a staple of most modern professional paths. Change is good for us and necessary for growth, but a career change should be approached with some careful thought. Armed with a few questions and some "know how," a successful professional change in career is almost a guarantee!

So, why make a change?

If you are laid off from your job, the answer to this question might seem quite simple. I NEED to find something different, but it may not have to stop there. Really evaluate what it means for you. This is a great chance to continue in a certain field of work or go in a completely different direction. This could be the excuse you need to go after a job related to that dream career you thought was too far removed from your situation. Of course, this also can be applied to those of you that are "just looking for something different." This is the time to really evaluate what your true end goal is. This is where it all starts.

What do you want in a career?

This first question is tough, but it is much easier to attack it if we get specific. Instead of saying, "I want to work in IT," try getting more specific about the specific systems you would like to work with or the types of projects you would like to work on. Also, take into account the office environment you would like to be a part of and how you would like to feel while interacting with your boss and coworkers.

Why do you want it?

The great leadership writer/speaker Simon Sinek's teaching of "Start with Why" isn't only for leaders and entrepreneurs. Anyone thinking of going through a change should listen to Sinek's words. We have to make it clear to ourselves why we are looking for a career change. If you are burnt out (just looking for something different) maybe it's not a new career you are looking for; it could be that you need a good vacation. Be honest with yourself, and get a clear picture of why you are looking to change. If you are reading this and thinking, "I don't know what I want to do; I just don't want to do this," that's okay, too. You are not stuck. You need to get as clear of a picture as you can of what you would like to do next. Remember to take it one step at a time, and it won't be as scary as it sounds. You are figuring out what to do NEXT, not what to do FOREVER. Think of your job experiences, things you do for fun, things you would like to learn or know more about, and begin brainstorming about careers that include these criteria. Once your end goal is clear then it is time to start thinking about how to ready you for the change. Make a list:

• What are your skills? Identify your transferrable skills and explore careers that value them. Remember your experience can be a selling point for getting a new job or into a training or apprenticeship program.
• What are you lacking? Think of new skills you need to acquire and how to get them.
• Who can help? Think of some people that can give you direction, write a recommendation, or can introduce you to new people.

If you are a veteran, you can use the military skills translator to help you align your skills to civilian jobs.

• Use your MOC code to identify your military skills. 
• Use the O*Net Military Crosswalk to search for titles and job descriptions from the Military Occupational Classification (MOC).
• Use the Military to Civilian Skills Worksheet to write down your military skills, knowledge and abilities.

At Illinois workNet, this is where we can help you the most. You have asked yourself some critical questions to find out what you want and why you want it. You have figured out where you want to go. Now, it is time to use the resources around you and make that career change!

Research.

If knowing is half the battle, then it is important to find out everything you can about the new field before jumping into it. Make sure it is different than your old field so you don't run into the same problems, and that it is a good fit for you. Look at the career wages and trends information on Illinois workNet. This will help ensure that the new field meets the specific criteria you defined for yourself earlier in the process. Find as much material that relates to these types of questions:

• Are there jobs available?
• What are typical hours and salaries?
• What are the working conditions?
• Will I need more education?
• Can I make the commitment to get the training and credentials required for the job?

(Note: If you have other questions like, "How do I write a resume with a career change?" Check out this example!)

Connect.

Remember when we asked, "Who can help?" It is critical that you get your name out there. You have defined a clear vision for what you want, and have decided on a field that will fit. Now it is time to stand out and get your name recognized by those hiring in your new field. You may have to work very hard at this! A wise man once said that if you don't have a job, then finding a job is your new job! Those are strong words, but what he was getting across was that if most normal jobs are 8 hours a day then that is how long we should spend a day doing everything possible to get that next job! Eight hours a day is a little daunting, and there is no rule stating that is how long you need to spend every day doing your research and getting your name out there, but the point is that it is going to take time and effort to get to where you want to go in a new career. When discovering those who can help, remember to:

• Talk to others in the industry. 
• Network with others to share tips about transitioning to a new field.
• Follow industry news, blogs, forums, and social media to stay informed.

Persistence.

You have to be persistent. There are a lot of unknowns (all of which you've planned for): You may have to start at the bottom, you may take a pay cut, and you may be told you are overqualified (or not qualified enough).

It's a road that will likely require a lot of hard work, patience, and humility, but it's important to remember that the best opportunities come to those with patience and persistence. You have done everything in your power to prepare for this next step; after all of that hard work, don't give up so quickly on your new dream before it becomes a reality.

Keep your spirits high and your eyes focused on your end goal. Remember, you started out with the end in mind, telling yourself why you wanted this new opportunity: be persistent in your pursuit of it and you will get there.