4. Career Change Strategy

Career change is a challenging and potentially exciting process. The more you allow yourself to dream, the more you allow yourself to brainstorm and ponder the possibilities, the more you can achieve. Your Career Transition could be the stimulus to seek a new career, perhaps something you have always dreamed of, but found reasons not to pursue. Now, you can direct your energies toward reasons to pursue, depending on your current and future situation.

If you focus on why you cannot do something, then you will not do it.

If you focus on why and how you can do something, almost anything is possible.

Remember: The greater the change, the longer the process. As a result, it is necessary to evaluate your transferable skills, and then evaluate what you are willing to do to achieve a career change, for example, what personal sacrifices or other changes are you willing to make?

Identify transferable skills (linked to your accomplishments)

· leadership/management,

· project management,

· creative/initiative,

· troubleshooting, problem solving,

· process improvement, cost savings,

· technical,

· language,

· demonstrated ability to learn,

· analytical, research

Evaluate your Career Change criteria

· Will you relocate?

· Will you take a cut in pay?

· How long are you willing to be out of work?

· Will you work different hours? Long hours?

· Will you take a step backwards in responsibilities?

· Will you commute? How far?

· What are the prospects in the new field of choice?

· How much do you want to change?

Plan for Changing Careers

Now, develop a plan for changing your career by taking the following steps:

· Conduct a rigorously honest self appraisal (including strengths and weaknesses)

· Brainstorm a list of potential career choices

· Utilize career guidance resources (career counselors, classes, testing, internet sites)

· Set objectives/goals, start learning about career choice(s)

· Speak with your family

· Plan for/obtain needed education and training, obtain skills and experience

· Consider all options such as volunteer, internships, part-time

· Start networking to learn more about career choices and to make contacts for potential opportunities

· Search and obtain new position in new career