Looking for a Career Change?
Ever wonder why we’re so trigger happy to switch jobs? In previous generations, it wasn’t uncommon for someone to stay with the same employer – and often the same role – for the majority of their working life. Nowadays that is almost unheard of as people move between companies and industries on their climb up the corporate ladder.
It’s also possible to completely change your direction at any stage in your working life and embark on a new career. While it may be daunting to think about learning something new, going back to school or leaving the stability of your current job, it is a great opportunity to reskill if your industry or field of specialisation is slowing or simply follow your dreams. Read on to find out how you can get started towards a new career.
Consider a Careers Counsellor
Many tertiary education providers and job seeking agencies have trained professionals who can help you work out what you want to do and even map out a pathway for you to get there. Career counsellors can also usually offer resume and interview tips that can help you get noticed by your new potential employers. You don’t usually need to pay for the service, and the advice they can give about transitioning to a new career can be invaluable.
Start Studying
Getting qualifications has never been easier. Not only are there options to defer tuition payments until you’re earning a fulltime wage, but there is also flexibility in how you study. Many institutions now offer the opportunity to self-pace your course so that you do as little or as much workload at a time as you can manage around your other commitments, including a fulltime job or family. Some places like Evocca College even let you start at any time of the year without waiting for the next term or semester to start. Visit www.evocca.edu.au to learn about some of the courses that you could start studying straight away.
Volunteer
Volunteering or interning is a great way to build up your skills and meet contacts in your desired field. Many organisations will welcome the assistance on a flexible, part time rostered style arrangement whereas others may prefer you to complete blocks of fulltime work. Make a short list of companies or community groups you’d like experience with and start making contact with their human resources department to get the ball rolling. Not only will you get practical experience on your resume, but it’s also an opportunity to try your new career to make sure that it is what you want to do.
While the “job for life” concept is largely outdated in the modern employment world, often the skills you’ve learned in your previous roles will be transferrable – even in a completely new industry or career. With a little bit of planning and training, you may be able to start working towards your dream job or a more secure career sooner than you realised.
Have you had a career change? What advice would you give to others considering changing their direction?
