How to Start a New Career
During the recession of the late 2000s, unemployment rates rose to a height not seen in decades. The silver lining of this grim fact is that many people have opted to start a new career after giving up on standard employment hunting. There are keys to "biting the bullet" and starting on a new career path. If you do it wisely and with a plan in mind, your prospects of success are much higher.
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Things You'll Need
- Budget
- College standardized test scores
- Financial aid forms, also called FAFSA forms
- Internet access
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Revise your household budget. Search diligently for every possible item that you can reduce or cut, and do so. Negotiate with insurance, communications and entertainment companies. Build cash reserves so you can withstand a time with no employment.
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2
Consult a local university as to what degree programs it offers. Ask friends and family about your talents and what occupation they believe you are best suited for. Reflect on what kind of career you would enjoy, and be equipped to labor in it.
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3
Complete skills inventory assessments available at the job placement center at your local unemployment office, college admissions office or temporary employment service. This will help you determine the suitability of specific job categories. Match your potential degree field with a local program.
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Take a standardized test for entry into college. Consult with the admissions office at the school as to what test it requires. Prepare thoroughly for the exam because many scholarship programs use this data.
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Apply for continuing education scholarships that often are tailored to students returning to pursue a new career. Apply for financial aid with a FAFSA form available at the admissions office. Apply for admission to the university.
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Complete the degree requirements. While in school, make as many contacts in your degree field as you can because they will be helpful as you search for your new job.
Making the Move
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Create a solid resume listing both your former job history and your accomplishments in school. Demonstrate your commitment to the new career in the document.
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Clean up your appearance. Update your wardrobe and focus on hygiene.
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Utilize social networking to start the job search. Post about your job hunt often. Keep your other posts professional and positive.
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Hit the road. You can't wait for jobs to be listed in the newspaper because most employers have plenty of applications and do not want the expense of posting there. Apply at the companies you seek and try to find relationships with their employees that can assist you.
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Visit the job placement office at your university often. Check job websites and others such as Craigslist.
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Create a website or blog for your job hunt. Be professional and serious. Visit industry blogs that discuss jobs you are interested in. Make relationships there for networking purposes.
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Demonstrate your new skills free, if necessary. Offer free workshops at local libraries or civic organizations, if applicable. This establishes you as a skilled, relevant applicant and provides you with opportunities to network for a job.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply and follow up often with companies you are interested in. Send thank you cards for considering your application and for interviewing you addressed to the specific person you talked to.
Take this opportunity seriously. Do not pick a career field solely on preference without evaluating your transferable skills.
References
Resources
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