Career Change Research & Investigation

Research a career change by connecting with professionals in that field.

Changing careers is a common process in today's job climate. There are a variety of reasons for switching from one profession to another. Often it may be a desire to reinvent yourself and take on a new challenge. Company closures and downsizing are another possible impetus. Whether planned or unplanned, launching a new career involves research and often additional training or education.

Transferable Skills

Listing current skills is a way to inventory what you bring to a new career. Business activities in which you participated, such as helping to launch a new software program, may be a valuable asset in your transition. Expertise in managing people and projects might also be deemed transferable. Review your resume and any past performance appraisals to capture experience useful to a new career.

Identification

Change presents an opportunity to examine your preferences. Put ample thought into areas that interest you. According to Richard N. Boles, author of the book "What Color is Your Parachute," a life-changing job search requires "a weekend of soul searching and really deep thought." Identifying your passion is paramount to launching a satisfying new career.

Considerations

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a career information website. Grant data and training initiatives are posted by The Department of Labor. Get salary statistics, relocation information and advice on creating resumes, at Career One Stop. Other online help centers such as O*Net On Line provide occupational information, job descriptions and matching scenarios helpful in exploring various professions. Schedule networking sessions with friends, job clubs and lead groups to obtain data on specific opportunities.

Education

Transferable skills may not be enough to land a position in your new field. Look for training courses that will add value to your resume. This is a good time to test drive the career you aspire to by gaining practical knowledge. Once hired, your new employer may provide tuition reimbursement to help you acquire additional expertise. Many firms budget for certification or even degreed coursework for their employees.

Create Your Resume

In her book "New Resume, New Career," career coach Catherine Jewell advises, "Think of your resume as a well-written advertisement for your services." Jewell's manual profiles individuals who changed professions by publishing before and after resume examples. Research the various resume formats; chronological, functional or a blended style to ascertain the best approach for your background. Once you have created a resume, find a mentor in your chosen field to review it.

Interview Research

Before accepting an invitation to interview for a position, carefully review the job description. Study everything concerning the company's vision, mission and culture. Prepare carefully for the next step, which is meeting with a potential employer. During the interview, ask pertinent, well thought out questions. Relate situations involving past employment where you added value by being efficient or saving the company money. Remember that an interview is a two-way process. Making the right match is important for both you and your new employer.

References

• "What Color Is Your Parachute? 2010"; Richard N. Boles; 2010
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Overview of BLS Statistics by Occupation
• Career One Stop: Resumes and Interviews
• United States Department of Labor: Turning Green Jobs to Gold Safely
• O*Net Resource Center: Career Explorations Tools

Resources

• "New Career, New Resume"; Catherine Jewell; 2010
• Quint Careers.com: Transfering Skill Sets for Job-Seekers