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Step 1
Look before you leap - trite but true.Actually, you may want to rethink the decision to switch careers at all. Stephen Viscusi, author of Bulletproof Your Job (HarperCollins), actually warns against such moves."Booming economic times provide a wonderful opportunity to follow your heart's desire to your dream job or 'reinvent' yourself. But during troubled times such as in the current economy, it's insane," Viscusi says.That said, should you decide to make a move or the decision is made for you -- such as if you work in an industry that's being phased out, or phased out in your area -- take a good look at your options before you jump.
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Step 2
Research your intended new market, advises Scott Ragusa, pesident of contract businesses at the Waltham, Mass-based staffing firm Winter, Wyman Companies."Talk to as many people as you can in the industry. Take informational interviews as much as possible. If you have a friend at one company, ask to sit down and review what they like or do not like and how they broke into the industry," says Ragusa.
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Step 3
Speak with a professional recruiter in the industry you would like to break into. "They may not be able to place you, but they are well informed on the market and can help you understand how to enter the industry, Ragusa adds.
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Step 4
Pursue contract or temp-to-perm opportunities. Contract positions oftentimes require skills that are easily transferable to other professions. For example, if you have been a technical writer, your communications skills may also be of use as an insurance underwriter. If you've been working as a teacher, your skills could be of use in your training for the clergy. Graphic artists can become architects with additional education, sometimes.
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Step 5
Join user and networking groups, including their social events. For example, MediaBistro, based in New York, sponsors classes and networking events all around the world for both communications professionals and newbies.
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Step 6
Take classes.If your dream is to become an interpreter for the United Nations, take that community college course in Spanish you've been dreaming about. While you may not be fluent right away, in a few years' time you can write your own ticket -- and have extra skills in your back pocket to survive another economic downturn.
