9 Tips for Changing Careers
The time is now. Are you ready to take the plunge?
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Upgrade You - Whether you've been contemplating an industry change for months or you realized you were ready for something new when you got laid off last week, abandoning the career you're familiar with can be scary. Follow these tips to get past that anxiety and start your new (work) life. By Kenrya Rankin (Photo: Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images)
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Figure Out Why You Want to Make a Change - Are you bored? Hate your boss? Spending your days dreaming about doing something else? Knowing what is causing your urge to change will help you figure out if you truly want to switch careers or just need to find a new gig.(Photo: Juice Images/Getty Images)
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Decide on a Path - Now that you are sure you need to make a major change, nail down exactly what you want to do next. Need some help? Make a list of the things you love to do and ask people who know you well what they think you'd be good at.(Photo: skynesher/Getty Images)
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Do Your Googles - Before you quit your career, do some in-depth research into your possible next move. Ask some pros for informational interviews so you can get an insider's look into the industry.(Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images)
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Exorcise Your Fears - It's only normal for you to feel some anxiety about your next steps. Don't ignore them. Write them down and examine each one. What can you do to address them? (Photo: Paul Bradbury/Getty Images)
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Pull Out Your Résumé - Look at your work history and pinpoint any transferable skills you have that will be useful in your new situation, then revise it with those items in the forefront. Also figure out where the gaps are. Do you need to go back to school or otherwise train to make yourself a good job candidate? (Photo: Michael Puche/Getty Images)
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Get That Training - If you need it, enroll in a certification or degree program — whatever it takes to get yourself up to speed. And internships are not just for kids. They can be a good way to get yourself in the door.(Photo: Getty Images)
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Meet Folks - Join an industry organization and go to events. You'll broaden your network and find out about job leads, too. (Photo: Caiaimage/Sam Edwards/Getty Images)
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Lock in a Mentor - Connect yourself to someone who is successful in your new field, then pick her brain relentlessly. (Photo: JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images)