How to Start a New Career—5 Effective Strategies
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Are you currently unemployed? Do you feel like you hit a dead end in your career path? Is your current job not what you anticipated it would be? Are you looking for a career that has better opportunities?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be interested in starting a new career path. Your career should align with your interests and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. When you feel like your career is holding you back, then it’s time for a change.
Whether you are unemployed or stuck in a job you don’t want, getting started in a new career can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help you get started in your dream job.
How to Decide on a New Career—Identifying Your Interests and Strengths
The first step in deciding on a new career is determining what your interests are. Look at your hobbies and figure out why you enjoy them. Do you enjoy reading and writing, creating art, solving puzzles, or being outdoors?
Once you have a solid idea about your interests, assess your strengths. Think about which jobs and school classes you excelled at. When you have determined what your interests and strengths are, you can then research careers that are compatible with them.
How to Find a New Career—Researching and Networking
After you’ve identified the careers that align with your interests and strengths, it’s time to look for job opportunities. Certain online websites like LinkedIn and Indeed are popular platforms that businesses use to post job openings.
It’s also a good idea to research companies that are related to the career you’re after. Reaching out to these companies directly can lead to job opportunities, and, at the very least, they can let you know their requirements for employment.
Networking to Find a Career
Expanding your network is a great way to meet professionals in your desired career field and make connections that could lead to job opportunities. There are several ways to expand your professional network, some of which include:
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Networking events
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Job fairs
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Social networking sites
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Internships
While online job boards are great places to start looking for a career, you should know that most people are hired through professional networking. In fact, nearly 85% of jobs are filled via networking.
The Yavapai County Regional Economic Development, or the REDC, can connect job seekers with local businesses through job fairs across Yavapai County. Check out our events page to see what’s happening in your area.
Factors to Consider Before Starting a New Career
The first thing to consider is whether starting a new career is the right choice for you. Think about whether your current job can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. If not, then it might be time for a change.
Another factor you should consider is whether or not you are qualified for another career. Although a new career may align with your interests and strengths, many jobs require experience, certifications, or degrees.
Financial Factors to Consider Before Starting a New Career
Recently, job switchers that moved to a lateral position have seen up to an 8% pay increase on average. Sometimes, however, starting a new career means starting at an entry level position.
If your new career requires you to start at an entry level position, then you may experience a pay decrease. This isn’t always the case, and sometimes starting a new career can open up greater opportunities for higher pay than your current career does.
5 Effective Strategies for Starting a New Career
Now that you’ve decided that starting a new career is the right choice for you, it’s time to take action. By using these effective strategies, you can ensure a calculated and smooth transition into your new career.
1. List Out Your Experience and Achievements
The best way to showcase your professional experience and achievements is with a strong resume. Your resume should be tailored to highlight the skills and experience that will translate to your new career. A strong resume will appeal to potential employers and help set you apart from the competition.
Need a hand writing a strong resume? The free career resources at REDC can help you craft a resume that can catch the attention of potential employers.
2. Research Potential Careers
Your new career should align with your interests, strengths, and experience. Also, you should identify which career paths can sustain you financially and bring you fulfillment. When researching potential careers, consider what the prerequisites are, if there’s opportunities for growth, and if it’s something you want to do long-term.
3. Narrow Down Your Options
After researching what career paths you're interested in, you should narrow your list down to two or three careers. From here, you can identify the job positions related to your desired careers.
4. Upskilling
Learning new skills will ensure that you are qualified for your new career. Some jobs require specific skills and certifications in order to be considered for hire. Even if your next career doesn’t require them, learning new skills can bolster your resume and set you apart from other candidates.
Upskilling your professional knowledge has never been easier with the help of self-paced online courses at REDC.
5. Apply, Apply, Apply
When you’re applying for jobs, you should research job opportunities thoroughly and keep track of the ones you applied for. After you have submitted your applications, follow up with the hiring managers to check-in and see what the next steps are.
Read our related guide to discover how to check the legitimacy of businesses and avoid job offer scams.
Get Started in Your New Career With REDC
REDC at Yavapai College provides the tools you need to get started in your next career. Whether you want to connect with potential employers or brush up on your interview skills, REDC’s free career resources can help you every step of the way.
Upskill at Your Own Pace
At REDC, we make it easy for you to get the education you need to propel you into your next career. Our online courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn professional skills and earn technical certificates on your own time.
Check out our online course catalog to discover the courses that can help you kickstart your new career.
Learn for Free With the QUEST Grant
Getting your education at the REDC is not only convenient, but it can be affordable too. The QUEST Grant can cover the cost of your online classes, letting you get the education you need without spending a dime.
If you are worried that tuition cost is holding you back from getting started in a new career, apply for the QUEST Grant today.