Changing careers - scary but possible
I entered college right after graduation from high school. I was barely 18 at the time and really had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I began by selecting a major in business knowing I would have to pick an area in which to concentrate in a year. After one semester of business courses I decided I hated it and wanted to pick another major. So public relations here I came, and that’s where I got my degree. However, I don’t think I’ve used that degree for very long in my life. As I grew up my interests changed and that’s how I got to the place I am today.
If you’re not happy in the career you’ve chosen and you’re thinking about a career change, your not alone. Experts have stated that the average person will have three to five major career changes in their lives. In other words, you’ll have many careers as you move along in your professional life.
So if you are unhappy in your present career you might be looking for some career advice for your career change. Here are a few things you can consider when deciding what kind of career is best for you at this point in your life:
- Do some self reflection and examination to see what really interests and motivates you. If you are interested you can search for free career tests on the Internet to see what fields might be a good fit for you and your skills.
- Read as much information as you can about the field that interests you. Get a good education on what you can do in that field, and what you might need to do (in terms of training or education) to be successful in this new career.
- Contact professionals currently working in the field for informational interviews. You can ask these individuals what they like and dislike about the field, and in their opinion what you need to do to obtain a career in that industry.
- Join professional associations and trade groups related to your new career choice. You’ll make some contacts that might be able to help you network and find a new job.
Thinking about changing your career can be scary, but you can do it. Make an investment in yourself and take the time and effort needed to find out what you need to do to be successful and then go for it.