Like the human biological growth cycle, our professional drive tends to change pace from time to time. This happens due to reasons such as career unfulfillment, low monthly salary without benefits, unrealized potential after active years in a particular role, position, or industry, and curiosity—an emotion we often feel and sometimes fall for.
However, as fun, freeing, and rewarding as navigating career transitions is, it can also feel challenging when we remember the tedious background work required to ensure this switch is a success.
To help, we have researched and gathered seven tips to make switching industries or roles less challenging for you. So, sit back, stay focused, and be prepared to rewrite your career story when you apply these seven tips:
1. Self-introspect: Find out your “why”
Just as the saying “there’s no fire without smoking” goes, it’s impossible to desire a career switch without a reason attached to it. Whether it’s for renewed motivation, low wages, transit issues, unfavourable work conditions, or culture, you need to think to identify your “why.” Figuring out your “why” helps make the transition smoother as you will discover the uncomfortable situations in your previous role and easily avoid them while looking for a new working environment.
2. Identify and Analyze your transferable skills: Examine their suitability and long-term relevance to our new desired industry or role
One of the common fears workers have when switching industries and roles is the one of starting afresh to learn and know new skills. However, that problem becomes inexistent if you examine beforehand the suitability and long-term relevance of your already acquired skills to your chosen desired role or industry. Although transferable skills prevent incessant fear from distracting your career transition, upskilling should not be overlooked since you’d need it to climb the higher rung when you secure a new job.
3. Research your destination: Be on the lookout for appropriate companies and analyze them
Having no genuine prior knowledge of your desired new role is like waking in an unfamiliar room with your eyes closed. To set the stage for success, it is essential to stay up-to-date through research. Consider using the SWOT analysis to go about this assessment. This would ensure you know the company’s work culture and environment, goals, work-life balance, recruiting requirements/offers, professional development opportunities, upward mobility, etc. Once you have thoroughly evaluated them, make a short-term and long-term list of goals to keep you accountable. These goals should be realistic, specific, measurable, achievable, and designed to keep you strategically focused as you navigate the career transition.
4. Network and seek mentorship: Fill up the seats in your corner with professionals from the industry
A nuanced insight into your desired role or industry is validated when heard from professionals there. And to meet people like you have to be in places where people like you would be. You can discover such places when you conduct online searches for/attend workshops, conferences, and seminars close to your location and through online networking platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Building relevant connections offers you gainful insight and also reliable advice.
5. Customize your story: Write and curate irresistible application materials that stand you out from the crowd
Ensure that your resume, cover letter, and portfolio match the needs of your new role and industry. Emphasize accomplishments, experiences, and abilities that demonstrate your ability to succeed and make a significant contribution to your new workplace. Use industry-specific keywords and terminologies to illustrate your adaptability and knowledge. Also, during the interviews, emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt to your new role.
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6. Embrace curiosity: Be open to continuous learning
The best way to stay one step ahead in your new role is always to have a learning mindset. While your transferable skills may have kick-started your career transition journey and gotten you the job, upskilling offers assurance in your new career path. It also ensures your promotions in your new role as the year goes on.
7. Embrace challenges: Take mental charge with perseverance and patience
Moving from one role to another or from one industry to another is a bumpy ride and may take a toll on your mental well-being. The stress of navigating all the necessary steps and getting them done brings about a state of frequent anxiety that hinders you from feeling positive about your career transition. Practicing perseverance and patience will change your anxious mindset to an adaptive, positive one.
The Bottom Line
Navigating career transitions shouldn’t be overwhelming but transformative. By thoroughly applying these seven tips on switching industries or roles, your career transition will transform from an anxious, undefined idea to a confident, clear goal. But remember to seek emotional support from your family and friends as you rewrite your new career story.
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