Career Shifts/Career Change: When and How To Do It

When Is a Career Change a Good Idea?

Steve Jobs asked himself the same question every day: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" When he answered "no" too many days in a row, he knew it was time to make a change.

Realistically, the average person can find meaning and worth in their career even if it's not what they'd choose to do on their last day. But if you dread going to work more often than not, it may be time to consider a change.

Or, maybe you love your job, but you're worried new technology might replace you. For years the mantra "learn to code" has been thrown at blue-collar workers displaced by technology, but artificial intelligence may soon take over the jobs of coders and other white-collar workers.

Whether you're trying to get a leg up on future technology, you just don't enjoy your job, or you've developed new interests, exploring your options can help you decide when or if you should make a career change.

How To Successfully Make a Career Transition

Unless you're independently wealthy or have a guaranteed source of income, you'll probably have to keep your current job while you prepare for a successful career change. Use your days off and other free time to determine where you want to go and how to get there.

Explore Different Career Options

If you're not sure what your next step should be, take some time to explore your options. The best career changes happen when you look for a job that matches your interests, strengths, and skills. Taking a career assessment test can be a good place to start.

Once you've found some interesting leads, start researching job descriptions, average salaries, and growth predictions for roles that interest you. If possible, contact someone who has the job you want and ask them about their experiences. They can give you a good overview of their average day, wages, and what their employer values. There's no substitute for firsthand information.

Take Tutoring Lessons To Brush Up Your Skills

Once you've decided on a career, working with a tutor can help you develop or refresh your skills to break into a new market. If you've been out of school for a while, a tutor can help ease the transition if you need more education.

Many lucrative careers, particularly in the tech industry, require a proficiency test to prove your qualifications. Working with a tutor can also help you study more efficiently if you need to pass a certification test.

You can accomplish a lot in less time with a focused study plan and the help of a tutor. Look for someone with skills and experience in the area you're studying rather than a generalist or college student.

Earn Degrees or Certifications Required for Your Desired Career Path

Although your career change may require a degree or certification, you may also have some skills you can carry over. If you do need additional education, your next step will be taking the necessary classes.

There are numerous online and nontraditional educational options for adult learners. You'll probably be able to find an option that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

Revamp Your Resume

Updating your resume is critical when trying to make a career change. Reframing your experience can highlight your applicable skills. When you're revamping your resume, do the following:

• Identify transferable skills that can apply to your field, such as project management, leadership, communication, or problem-solving
• Highlight similar skills, even if they're not directly related
• Customize your resume to the specific job you're applying for
• Use a functional format that highlights your skills and achievements
• Ask for feedback from people in your professional network

Take on New Employment

Finally, start applying for jobs in your new field. Consider starting with part-time work or internships to get some experience. Update your professional and personal social media accounts to reflect your new skills and career interests.

Since you're not a traditional candidate, you'll need to widen your search parameters when you're trying to land your first job. The following tips can help:

• Let everyone know you're interested in changing fields
• Look for similar roles with your current employer
• Start attending professional events in your new industry, such as conferences, job fairs, and trade shows.
• Consider a volunteer position to gain experience
• Develop a portfolio to showcase your ability to do the job

Landing your first job in a new industry may take a while. Be patient, but be persistent. Career changes take time and effort, but it's ultimately worth it. In the meantime, continue to learn, develop your skills, and build your network.

Prepare for a Career Change With Online Tutoring Services

Online tutoring can give you the edge you need to land your first job in a new field. The labor market is increasingly competitive among job seekers, so working with highly skilled tutors who have demonstrated proficiency can set you apart.

At Alexander Tutoring, all our tutors have advanced credentials and degrees in their subject areas. We have the experience to help you navigate career changes and quickly get up to speed on technical skills. Reach out today to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.