So, you’ve established that you want to change your career. Perhaps you’re not happy in your job anymore, or maybe you can see that your industry is in danger. Whatever the reason for changing your career, you can do it at any time.
Research shows that many people working today will have up to five career changes in their lifetime. If you’re thinking about a career change right now, here are some tips on how to make it happen.
Self-Reflection
The first thing you should do is take some time to consider the reasons behind wanting to change careers. If it’s because you’re not getting on well with a colleague, you may want to reconsider. Wherever you go, there will always be people who are hard to work with.
If you want a change because you no longer enjoy your job and it’s making you feel miserable or you recognize that your opportunities will be limited in the future, these are valid reasons for leaving. Think about the type of career that you want and where your skills would be useful.
Research Jobs
When you know what you’re good at, it should be easy to narrow down the industries and jobs that appeal to you. Look at how to enter these jobs and the qualifications needed to get started. If you don’t have everything an employer is looking for, you may need to look at entry-level jobs and build up your portfolio.
Volunteering in your spare time could help you gain the valuable experience that employers are looking for. Alternatively, you could look at apprenticeships or internships that are a good starting point for climbing the career ladder. Seoul internships will also allow you to travel or relocate if that has been a dream of yours.
Create a Plan
Once you know your options, it’s time to create a plan that will help you achieve your goals. The first thing you can do is update your CV so it’s more appealing to employers with the roles you’re interested in. It’s also worth talking to someone who currently works in the role you’re hoping for.
Networking with people in the industry and getting inside knowledge about the jobs you want will be invaluable when it comes to speaking with employers. If you have the skills to be innovative in your role, be sure to demonstrate it.
Reality Check
When you’re changing careers, it’s important to be realistic. Switching from a career in accounting to deep-sea diving is a far stretch. Changing careers often means starting from scratch, so you may need to take a pay cut as you work to build a new career.
Make use of your transferable skills when looking for a new career. Employers will look at your experience and how it can be applied to the role advertised. If you have none of the skills an employer is looking for, you may need to spend a few years studying before jumping back on the career ladder.
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