Navigating Career Transitions: Finding Clarity
Thinking about that next move? Whether you’re after something completely new or seeking another challenge, transitioning roles or industries can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Here are a few tips on help with that next move!
Navigating your career is tricky, as there are many directions we could possibly head!
1. Clarify Your Goals: It’s so important to take the time to re-evaluate your goals. Pinpointing what exactly you want to achieve from a change in career path. Are you after more balance, an increase in salary, a role that better aligns with your values and/or capabilities? Clearly defining your goals will act as a ‘rudder’ to make sure you’re pointed in the direction that best meets your needs.
2. Identify Transferable Skills: One of the biggest thing people forget about as they accumulate experience is what they learn along the way. It’s always evident people underestimate their transferable skills. What you have learnt in your current role + previous roles can equate to highly valuable skills in your new field. Highlight these transferable skills and make a point of them in your CV and Cover Letter. Skills like communication, problem solving, leadership, workshopping and project management are often highly sought after in many industries.
3. Understand what you’re walking into: Research your next field, extensively. Knowledge is always a strong ally. Get to know the industry you’re interested in — connect with people in-person and online, attend webinars/events and read plenty of articles! Understanding the new landscape will help prepare you for the transition.
4. Expand Your Network: It’s important to start thinking about networking in alignment with your new career goals. If you’re making a major change, building connections in your new industry through events, LinkedIn/SEEK, meet-ups, and online forums will provide you with much needed insight and help give you that foot in the door!
5. Chat to someone: Career transitions are often tricky, and complex. You don’t have to go at it alone. Its best to reach out to those around you and walk through your thinking. Whether that is a trusted friend, family member, colleague or a career coach, chances are having that soundboard may make a big difference in confidently changing your career direction.
Finding clarity in your career is very seldomly a linear path. However, transitions are vital in reshaping your career into something that best meets your ever-changing needs. With the right approach, uncertainty can quickly become opportunity! CareerMate offers coaching and mentorship for those needing that extra hand along the way. If you’re unsure, reach-out and we can tee up a casual intro!