How can Contract Management professionals prepare for a career change?

1 Assess your strengths and goals

Before you start looking for a new career, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and what you can offer. Contract management involves a range of skills, such as negotiation, communication, risk management, compliance, and analytical thinking. However, not all skills are equally relevant or valued in every industry or role. Therefore, you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and identify the skills that are most in demand and aligned with your interests and goals. You can use online tools, such as skills assessments, career quizzes, or personality tests, to help you with this process.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

Once you have a clear picture of your strengths and goals, you need to update your resume and portfolio to reflect them. Your resume should highlight your achievements and impact as a contract management professional, and show how you can apply your skills to different scenarios and challenges. You should also tailor your resume to the specific industry or role you are targeting, using relevant keywords, terminology, and examples. Your portfolio should showcase your work samples, such as contracts, reports, presentations, or testimonials, that demonstrate your skills and value in action.

3 Expand your network and knowledge

Another important step to prepare for a career change is to expand your network and knowledge in the new field or industry you are interested in. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry forums, to connect with other professionals, follow influencers, join groups, and participate in discussions. You can also attend webinars, podcasts, events, or courses to learn more about the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the new sector. Networking and learning can help you gain insights, exposure, and credibility, as well as discover potential employers, mentors, or partners.

4 Showcase your adaptability and enthusiasm

Finally, when you are ready to apply for a new career, you need to showcase your adaptability and enthusiasm to the hiring managers and recruiters. You need to show that you are not only qualified and skilled, but also willing and able to learn, grow, and contribute in a new environment. You can do this by researching the company, the industry, and the role, and preparing relevant questions, examples, and stories that demonstrate your interest, curiosity, and fit. You can also highlight your transferable skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration, or innovation, that can help you overcome any gaps or challenges in the new career.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?