16 May 2011

Part 1 of How to Manage a Career Change included tips on getting to know your likes and dislikes, researching potential careers and discovering transferable skills. This month, three additional tips are offered:

• Strengthening your training and education
• Making contacts and connections
• Inspiration and celebration!

Tip #4: Strengthen your training and education

Depending on the path you choose, you will probably find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. Sign up for one or two courses to make sure that you really are pursuing a career you’ll enjoy. If the skill that you need to learn is one that could be applied in your current profession, look into training courses which your employer might offer financial reimbursements. It may be beneficial to invest in re-training or continued education programs that will build your expertise and knowledge without quitting your current job. For example, if you have decided on a career change to the medical sciences, take pre-medical courses at a local college.

Think of applicable ways to “try on” your career with internships and volunteering. Some career skills can be acquired through volunteering or completing an internship. This also has the benefit of connecting with people in your chosen field. Biology students have pursued internships with government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Smithsonian Institution museums, or pharmaceutical companies. 

Tip #5: Make contacts and connections

One of the best ways to facilitate a successful career change is the ability to network. Don’t search too far; your best bet is to start with your existing network of teachers, coworkers, friends, family members and coaches. Your contacts can give you leads on jobs, offer advice, and provide information about particular careers and industries. A simple way to broaden your network is to ask the people you already know to introduce you to others. Consider joining a professional organization or service club involving others in your field of interest. Contact school alumni for leads or guidance. Make sure you are armed and ready to go with an updated and polished resume and cover letter. Remember to have several people review your resume and cover letter, as a typo can be a costly mistake that might jeopardize opportunities that come your way!

Tip #6: Be inspired and celebrate!

Once you’ve figured out your new career path, create some inspiration to keep you going on your new journey. Create a “career dream board” by collecting images and words from magazines that accurately portray what you want to do next and the lifestyle, personality, and accomplishments that you want to express through your chosen profession. Place it somewhere prominent on your wall, look at it every day, and soon enough your dream board will become a reality!

Committing to changing your career is a big deal. But once you make the decision, it is time to celebrate! You are now in charge of creating the future you have been hoping for, so use that power to take your career to a whole new level. Let me be the first to congratulate you and remember to congratulate yourself!

This two-part series was written by Lauren A.S. Bush, Senior Administrative Assistant, Center for Educational Policy and Research at the American Dental Education Association.