There are numerous reasons to embrace a career transition besides the desire to perform more meaningful work. Perhaps the demand for your current skill-set has waned or there is no more room for advancement in your current career and you want to embrace new challenges. This article aims to arm you with practical steps to kickstart your transition and achieve your full potential.
Channel your self-awareness and introspect
By engaging in honest self-assessment and pausing to become really in tune with what you want from life is crucial. The process involves an inner reorientation and perhaps even a redefinition of self. Identify your likes and dislikes, understand your personality and delineate your values and motivation. Personality tests can help to match your personality traits to potential careers. One of the most popular personality types is the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator, which is based on Carl Jung’s and Isabel Brigg Myers’ typological approach to personality. Type theory suggests that human behaviour is predictable and classifiable. Completing a personality test can help you identify your underlying preferences.
Your values are highly personal and provide the inner compass that guides your decision-making. Value-based assessments are also key to help people understand themselves and their unconscious behaviour. By aligning your values to your career path you will find your work more personally meaningful and fulfilling.
Playing to your strengths
People have innate strengths and talents. Historically, the emphasis in school was placed on managing weaknesses. The A grade on a chemistry test was lauded by parents but it was D on algebra that really got their full attention. However, the conversation has shifted with pioneers like Marcus Buckingham, a bestselling author, and motivational speaker extolling the virtues of playing to innate strengths and placing less emphasis on weaknesses. There are many psychometric tests available to help you identify your strengths. By shifting into this perspective you can uncover your unique personal identity and break free from others’ expectations of who you should be. Many people who find themselves stuck and spinning their wheels in their careers later in life are probably living someone else’s dream for their lives.
Test drive your new career
Avoid leaping before you look. Conduct informational interviews, volunteer, read industry trade journals or secure an internship or part-time work that will allow you to apprentice with an established professional in your field. Internships are not the sole province of college students. Seeking out mentors or considering lateral moves in your company in your area of interest that allow you to shadow others will be very helpful.
Identify transferrable skills
It is important to dissect all your previous jobs, hobbies, and volunteer work to identify skills that can be relevant to your new career. Examples of transferrable skills are event organization, making presentations, writing reports, and managerial skills. Match your skills to the job description of your target position and highlight them in your Resume and Covering letter.
Retooling
If you do not have the skills you require, you may need to invest in courses that will help you to retool. If your dream requires an advanced degree or certification or Executive Education courses, then pursue it. Learning the skills you need gives you the confidence and credibility required to assume your new identity and network with others interested in your field.
Mute the naysayers
People who dream big and proceed to actualize their dreams are always open to criticism. There are always people that are pessimistic and can talk you out of your dream. Hold fast to your dream and do not let mean-spirited criticism distract you from pursuing your goals. Live your life to the full.
Take intelligent risks
Growth requires confronting fear, weighing the risks against the rewards, and taking leaps of faith. If you understand the risks and go in with your eyes open you will stand a better chance of making a successful transition. What can you do to reduce the risk? By embracing risk you will avoid stagnation. Reframe the transition as an adventure and opportunity to grow.
Rebrand
Revamp your online presence to reflect your new career goals. Social media is an excellent way to showcase your talents. Network with others in your new field and seek opportunities. Join LinkedIn groups dedicated to your new industry.
Blaze a new trail
Career paths in the current employment landscape are rarely linear. People are living longer than they have historically and can make multiple career transitions to enjoy new challenges throughout their lives. Some careers are becoming outdated and people need to be agile to survive and thrive in this world. So step out of your comfort zone and go for it. Believe in yourself and you will break through all the barriers preventing you from living your best life. When you make it, do not forget to reach out a helping hand to others following in your trail.
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Article by Shailja Sharma, Executive Fellow, and Coach
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