CAREER CHANGE: Factors influencing career changes

This article is out of my experience and interactions with hundreds of students. I am not surprised to say that, “A great stumble for not being in a dream job is a complete action career plan”. In order to achieve a successful career few months of preparation with ample strategies is needed.

A career plan is vital step, without this s/he might take the first job offer that comes along, whether s/he is a people-fit profile or not. Research has to include analyses of present job, employee, career, skills, or the work s/he dislikes. Many hop jobs just solely of money or other benefits. It is no doubt certain areas may be alluring, but one needs a very careful of switching career because of dollar signs. I come across various students those are looking for hot jobs, I have advised them to dig deeper if this only the reason to make career changes. Many a time’s students have asked query on certification courses. I have a big question to them and this is unanswered by all. Are three or four years degree certificate isn’t worth to prove that you are an eligible graduate? One thing to be noticed is that educational institutes might provide the needed technical skills but many students lack people-fit skills (transferable skills). I would like to quote an example – one of students’ approached me on a career advice for changing a career. The student holds Bachelors in information science, a fresh graduate and wants to take up a job in embedded domain. It took a while to figure out the reasons behind the desire of career change. It is more peer influential rather than skills, educational background/training and research. I would advice all students not to let your parents/peers or anyone else influences your career choice. They don’t have to live with that career every day; you do.

If you have passion for your present work and earn a reasonable living, why is it anyone’s business but yours? It can be very helpful and valuable to have a career mentor during such transition. To make this transition happen, begin developing new network contacts. Undergo informational interviews, case studies, group discussion, forums, join industry associations. One has to do some self reflecting and really thinking about what you and what you don’t like. This can be learnt by assessment through your skills, values, and interests, which are critical component to a career-change success. Review your resume-writing techniques, master networking, and polish your interview skills. The transferable skills such as communication skills are important to career change, it is often necessary to gain additional training and experience before s/he can find a good job in a new career field.

Quote for Post: Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood . . . Make big plans; aim high in hope and work — Daniel Burnham

Regards,
Santosh
Scholar Navigator
Loratis Career School