Changing Career Paths

Hi I would like to know the steps which need to be taken for changing the career path, please guide me as I would like to do it?

[Kiran Chandar]

Changing careers takes focus as well as commitment. To be successful, one needs to develop short-term, intermediate as well as long-term goals, and then decide on the steps one will need to accomplish them.

The 10-Step Plan to Career Change:

Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes. A batch of people change careers because they dislike their job, their boss or their company. So, identifying the dislikes is often the easier component of this step.

Step 2: Researching New Careers. Once you’ve discovered or rediscovered the passion, spend some time researching the types of careers that centre around the passions.

Step 3: Transferable Skills. Leverage some of the current skills and experiences to new career. There are a lot of skills such as communications, leadership, planning, and others that are transferable and applicable.

Step 5: Networking. One of the real keys to successfully changing careers will be the networking abilities.

Step 6: Gaining Experience. Remember that, in a sense, one is starting the career again from square one. Obtaining a part-time job or volunteering in the new career field will only solidify the decision

Step 7: Find a Mentor. Changing careers is a chief life decision that can get overwhelming at times. Find a mentor who can assist you through the rough patches.

Step 8: Changing In or Out. Some people change careers, but never alter employers. Unfortunately, only the very progressive employers distinguish that once happy employees can only be happy and productive again

Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics. If it’s been a while since you’ve had to use your job-hunting tools and skills, now is the time for a refresher course.

Step 10: Be Flexible. One will need to be flexible about nearly everything – from the employment status to relocation and salary. Set positive goals for yourself, but expect setbacks as well as change – and don’t let these things get you down.