If you’re considering a career change - there’s a lot of thought that goes into this thought process, and it’s definitely something that you shouldn’t take lightly.
There are a lot of benefits of making a career change: furthering your knowledge, building on a passion, and ultimately extending the longevity of your career are all things that can be a value-add to making the move. But, how can you make a career path change truly meaningful?
Here are our 5 tips for transforming your progression:
1. Look for an industry that is relative to your current skill set
Changing careers can feel daunting - so if you’re in the process of figuring out what career you think would be best suited to you, the best options will always have slight crossovers or synergies with your current industry.
The further you go from the technical skills you’ve acquired, the harder you may find it to make a career switch. So, look at the job that you’re currently doing and see how or where this can sit across industries - or if that doesn’t work, what skills you’ve developed that are transitional.
If you’re struggling to do this alone, a specialist recruitment partner can help you to decipher what your options are and what would work best for you. This is very nuanced depending on how experienced you are also, so approach this with an open mind and conduct your own research, too.
2. Choose company culture and trajectory wisely
Company culture is so important when considering a complete career switch - you want to ensure that you’re in an environment that is going to motivate and push you, as well as having an impressive trajectory that you can be a part of.
For some, company culture may not have been “front of mind” - particularly if you’ve been in your current career for some time and feel comfortable in your day-to-day. Making a career switch requires you to step completely outside of your comfort zone, so having the right environment in those early months/first years are crucial.
3. Be prepared to take a dip in salary
Again, this is nuanced - but you have to take a financial step back (a lot of the time) to take a financial step forward in the future. You have to accept that you are not going to be completely qualified for the same level of seniority in another industry or career, so be mindful of this and go in with an open mind - find out what the long-term earnings are as well as what other benefits are on offer with each company you consider.
4. Work on your soft skills just as much as your technical skills
Whether you’ve secured the role and changed careers or you’re still in the process of deciphering what you want to do - work on your soft skills as a priority: communication, presentation, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness - all incredibly important things to factor in, and can be worked on regardless of where you’re at technically in your career. If you’re unsure of what to work on first, speak to your colleagues and peers and get some feedback!
5. Look for an organisation that has GREAT L&D
If you’re making a career change, you’re going to want to find an organisation that has impeccable L&D and a function that will be able to support you. Try to go for reputation over company name - what is their track record with career changers, and what is the scope of their L&D program?
Knowing this will give you not just the confidence that you’ll be supported but also it will motivate you to have the right tools and individuals around you to see you succeed!
If you’re looking to change careers - now is the time to consider your options. We are always looking to help candidates globally to further their careers and be truly passionate about what they do.
