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Perhaps for some time you have felt that your current job or career is not right for you. Or, you had a dream to pursue a particular profession when you were younger, but decided instead to get a job in something more lucrative to pay your NYC rent. Now, older and wiser, you decide you want to take the plunge and change your career. How do you start such a daunting process? CitySaheli consulted with their resident career counselor and here is the advice she has to offer. She herself was a career switcher so take her words to heart.
The answer is, start with small steps. Consider the following, and take it one step at a time:
1) Know thyself. What do you like in your current job? What do you dislike? What do you want more or less of? The answers to these questions will guide you to a better fit. You could also consider taking a career change class or working with a coach to help you through your process.
2) Examine the Possibilities. Set aside just an hour or two a week to read about your new job or profession of interest. The internet has a wealth of information about just about anything. Or join a Professional Network in your new career area to learn more and meet people who work in that profession. Test the waters by taking a class in the field – for example, take a six-week course in marketing to see if you even like it!
3) Talk to others. Once you have a few ideas about what you might want to switch to, talk to anyone and everyone that is involved in any way. You’d be surprised how many people your friends and co-workers know and thus are in your extended network. Set up coffee with them and ask what is needed to do well in their field. Will you need to go back to school? Or could a certificate program and/or specialized classes help? As an added plus, one of them might end up getting you your next job!
4) Examine Your Finances. Often times a career change involves making less money in the beginning, while you are getting established. With careful planning however, you don’t have to go back to eating ramen noodles or sharing an apartment with four girls. Making some adjustments and planning for the future can help you prepare for the change.
Let CitySaheli know which steps you are most interested in learning more about and we’ll follow up with detailed information. In the meantime, check out helpful resources we considered when changing careers:
www.careerbuilder.com (for general career-related advice and resources)
http://online.onetcenter.org (for descriptions and salary data for almost any job)
www.linkedin.com (social networking)
http://www.morethanmoneyinstitute.com (for coaching workshops)
http://www.scps.nyu.edu (for continuing education classes)
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