Transitioning into a new career field can be very exciting! It takes self-awareness, research, courage, determination, and a plan! Your academic work is central to your decision, but what else can you do to enhance your chance of career success in a new field? Career Planning and Development has developed a step-by-step Career Checklist to help guide you. Here are 14 steps from the checklist to get you started:
- Determine “why” you want to make the change. Are you seeking personal fulfillment, new challenges, opportunities to help others, or financial stability? Knowing your “Why” will help you stay motivated throughout the process.
- Take an inventory of your skills, strengths, values, interests, and academic knowledge areas. The self-awareness gained from this step will help you evaluate how a new career path aligns with who you are. Consider using self-assessment tools to help you with this step.
- Research career options. Use job boards, informational interviews, and online resources to start exploring career options, job titles, qualifications, salaries, and the demand for professionals in your new field. Determine if there are any gaps in your skills that you can fill.
- Research organizations. Explore the types of major employers in your new field, such as corporate, non-profit, private, government, or international organizations. Determine what type of organization interests you most.
- Create a financial plan. Research salaries in your new field to evaluate how your new career may impact you financially. Will your salary increase, decrease, or stay approximately the same? You may need to take a cut in salary until you get established in your new field, so plan accordingly.
- Engage in online and offline networking activities. Connecting early with other professionals in your new field will enhance your chances of a smooth transition. A few ideas to get you started are joining professional associations, attending events, and updating your LinkedIn profile with new skills and knowledge areas.
- Gain Experience through experiential learning opportunities. Participating in skills-based volunteer opportunities or internships can help you gain experience before you start your job search. Include any relevant volunteer experience or internships on your resume.
- Find a mentor. An experienced professional can offer valuable advice, inside information, and insights.
- Create polished, professional resumes and cover letters. Analyze job descriptions in your new field to gain an understanding of the requirements employers are seeking. Tailor your application materials to the job by including your transferable skills, academic coursework, and projects that directly relate to the position.
- Reach out to at least three people who know you professionally or through your academic work and ask them if they would be a positive reference for you during your job search. Provide your references with information about your target positions.
- Start applying for jobs! Find open positions through popular and niche job boards, as well as on company websites. Reach out to recruiters through LinkedIn, and, most importantly, let people in your network know that you are looking. Keep in mind that the majority of jobs are found through networking connections!
- Prepare for interviews. Review the organization’s website and the job description. Practice answering typical interview questions such as, why are you interested in this position, and what are your top strengths for this position? Also, prepare to share specific examples from your experience or academic work related to the requirements for the job. Craft your examples using the Challenge – Action – Result framework. Start by communicating what challenge you were faced with, describe the specific action you took, and share the outcomes or results of your efforts. Also, engage your interviewers in a conversation; ask questions about the position such as, what would be the top three priorities for this position within the first six months of hire?
- Reach out to the Career Planning and Development department for additional support. Make a one-on-one appointment with a Walden career advisor to discuss your goals and strategies to help you make a successful career change.
- Finally, cultivate a resilient mindset, stay flexible, and be open to new opportunities. Continue to learn and build your expertise. Embrace the change and celebrate your strength and courage!
Use these steps as a guide for research, reflection, and action to reach your goals! You can find resources for each of the 14 steps on the Career Transition Checklist.
The Career Planning and Development staff wishes you the very best on your career journey!
Written by Denise Pranke, Specialist, Department of Career Planning and Development