People choose to change careers for a variety of different reasons which may include – an increase in salary, better career advancement opportunities, and attractive job perks such as flexible working hours and bonus schemes. Despite this, many people delay or avoid switching job roles as they believe that the process will be lengthy, costly or inconvenient. However, changing careers doesn’t have to be a chore – here are three steps to a successful career change.
Step 1: Obtain the necessary qualifications
Once you’ve decided you want to change careers, it’s important that you find out what qualifications or training you will require to enter your desired field. Some roles may not require any formal qualifications, but many employers look for candidates with at least some specialist training or certification.
For that reason, it’s vital you do your research and identify what qualifications you will need to obtain in order to secure a role in the industry you’re hoping to move to. Fortunately, many qualifications can now be obtained through online courses that can be completed at home during your spare time.
For instance, it is now possible to study for a masters education online, along with a huge selection of other professional courses that can greatly enhance your career prospects.
Step 2: Gain professional experience
Gaining professional experience is extremely important and some employers even value it above certain qualifications. Not only will work experience enhance your resume and career prospects, but it will also give you the opportunity to gain a real insight into the industry and determine whether a particular job role would be suited to your skills and interests.
Fortunately, it is generally fairly simple to gain experience in most industries through paid/unpaid placements and other opportunities. Here are some top tips to help you maximize your work experience:
- Remember to apply for work experience opportunities well in advance. Some popular companies have 6-12 month waiting lists for internships and other work placements, so it’s always best to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Make an effort to build valuable relationships and expand your professional network while doing work experience. Make sure to stay in touch with any contacts you make after your placement has finished.
- Keep in mind that volunteering opportunities can be an excellent way to build valuable experience, enhance your resume and make connections with people in the industry.
Step 3: Search for your dream role
Finding available job opportunities is now quick and convenient with the introduction of online job boards. These resources give you instant access to hundreds of job opportunities and allow you to search for roles based on your location, salary, experience and specific job preferences.
Signing up to a recruitment agency can also help you secure your dream job role. Recruiters are typically in contact with many companies and are the first to know when new job opportunities become available. A recruitment consultant will support you throughout the recruitment process and can also provide you with expert guidance and tips on drafting your resume and impressing at interviews, along with other useful advice.