How to Find a New Career Path

Changing your career path can be both challenging and rewarding.

Finding a new career path is an event that can require varying amounts of effort depending on the difference between your current career field and your desired one. Finding the right path to fit your interests can be a challenging experience due to the wide range of options available. Narrowing your choices down to a single one will require introspection and investigation so that you can choose a new career path that will fit your needs, abilities and expectations.

Instructions

1. Take a free career interests and skills test to identify your skills, strengths and the career fields for which you are best suited.

2. Research the careers identified via the career interest and skill tests to find out if the field genuinely interests you. Read about job descriptions, average salary and predicted growth in the field in which you are interested in the most current Occupational Outlook Handbook.

3. Volunteer in the area in which your are interested or locate an internship so that you can get some hands on experience. Take college or vocational courses to help boost your knowledge.

4. Craft a relevant but accurate resume that markets you as a well qualified candidate for the career you are seeking. Apply for jobs that interest you.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to people who have a career in the field in which you are interested to find out more information.

• Never put false information on your resume or application to increase your chances of receiving a job offer. Not only is it unethical, it can backfire.

References

• Career Path: 4 Steps to Getting Started in a New Career
• Help Guide: Finding the Right Career

Resources

• America's Career Resource Network: Career Decision Making Tool
• Stewart Cooper & Coon: Motivated Skills Test
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
• University of Minnesota Knowledge Management Center: Transferable Skills Survey