*Do's and don'ts of career change

Sriram Savarkar

Subject: Do’s and don’ts of career change


*Do's and don'ts of career change

Some times it becomes inevitable to shift your career to suit your real
professional interests. Unless you are prepared with all the necessary
safeguards necessary for the smooth transfer, life becomes further critical.
Here are the key dos and don'ts by career counselor Randall S. Hansen
following which one can manage the career shift in a better fashion.

Do have a well-developed plan for making your career change. And don't rush
into a career change until you have thought it out and developed a strategy.

Don't worry if you feel a bit insecure or unsure about making a career
change; these feelings are normal. Do expect to put in a great deal of time
and effort in making the switch from one career to another, but don't allow
yourself to get discouraged at the pace or your progress. Changing careers
takes time.

Don't rush into a new career field because you are dissatisfied or
disillusioned with your current job, boss, company, or career field.

Do take the time to examine the activities that you like and dislike, with
more focus on your likes. And do focus on new careers that center around
your likes and passions.

Do leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new career
by taking advantage of your transferable skills.

Don't limit yourself to similar careers or jobs when making a career change;
look for careers that take advantage of both your skills and your interests.

Do consider the possibility that you will need to get additional training or
education to gain the skills you need to be competitive in your new career
field, but don't jump headfirst into an educational program. Start slowly.

Do take advantage of all your networking potential, including using your
current network of contacts, conducting informational interviews with key
employers in your new career field, and joining professional organisations
in your new career field. (And do read more about networking.) Don't forget
to take advantage of the career and alumni offices from your previous
educational experiences as well as your current school (if you are going
back for additional education or training). Do gain experience in your new
career field, ideally while you are still working in your current job.
Volunteer or find a part-time job in your new career field — thus building
experience, confidence, and contacts in your new field.

Don't go it alone; do find a mentor. Changing careers is challenging, and
you really need to have someone who can help motivate you and keep you
focused on your goal when you get discouraged.

Do brush up on all aspects of job-hunting, especially if you haven't had a
need to use those skills recently.

And do take advantage of all career change resources. Do take advantage of
all the career change advice available in these career change books.

Above all else, be flexible. You're basically starting your career anew,
which means you may have to make concessions about job titles, salary,
relocation, etc.
*
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Sriram Savarkar

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