Changing careers can be an exciting and rewarding move, but also a challenging one. You need to adapt to new expectations, learn new skills, and keep up with the latest trends in your new industry. How can you do that effectively and efficiently? Here are some tips to help you stay current with industry trends when changing careers.
One of the easiest ways to stay current with industry trends is to follow the sources that cover them. These can include blogs, podcasts, newsletters, magazines, reports, webinars, and social media accounts. Look for credible and authoritative sources that provide insights, analysis, and updates on your new industry. You can also subscribe to curated newsletters or RSS feeds that aggregate the most relevant content for you. Follow a few sources regularly and try to diversify your perspectives.
Another way to stay current with industry trends is to network with people who work in your new industry. Networking can help you learn from their experiences, insights, and opinions. You can also get feedback, advice, and referrals from them. You can network with industry professionals by attending events, joining online communities, reaching out to contacts, or asking for introductions. Be respectful, curious, and genuine when you network and try to offer value as well.
A third way to stay current with industry trends is to take online courses or certifications that teach you the skills, knowledge, and best practices of your new industry. Online courses or certifications can help you fill any gaps in your resume, demonstrate your commitment to learning, and boost your confidence and credibility. You can find online courses or certifications on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, or Skillshare. Choose courses or certifications that are relevant, up-to-date, and recognized by your new industry.
A fourth way to stay current with industry trends is to conduct informational interviews with people who work in your new industry. Informational interviews are informal conversations that allow you to ask questions, learn more, and get advice from someone who has the experience and expertise you seek. You can conduct informational interviews by reaching out to potential interviewees, preparing a list of questions, and following up with gratitude and updates. Informational interviews can help you gain valuable insights, tips, and connections.
When I wanted to transition from an admin assistant in higher ed to a recruiter in tech, I double-downed on informational interviews. I sent 70+ cold emails to recruiters so I could learn exactly what the job was like, the skills required, and where my experience gaps exist. I also learned how to turn my current job skills into transferrable skills. Eventually, I was able to create a resume and personal brand that highlighted the skills needed for recruiting and landed a job at Hulu in recruiting. I was also able to promote all the informational interviews in my interview process to showcase my investment in this career choice!
A fifth way to stay current with industry trends is to participate in industry projects or challenges that give you the opportunity to apply your skills, knowledge, and creativity to real-world problems or scenarios. Industry projects or challenges can help you showcase your abilities, learn from feedback, and collaborate with others. You can find industry projects or challenges on platforms like Kaggle, Hackerrank, or InnoCentive. Choose projects or challenges that are relevant, interesting, and challenging.
Head - Talent Management at Datamatics Global Services Ltd. | HR CoE | DEI | XLRI
If you are a student participating in various internships, challenges and projects can help get a better hands on understanding of what the career actually entails. If you are a professional, it can at times become a bit more tricky but nonetheless give it a try (keeping your Manager informed, where necessary). If there are any cross-functional teams /projects within your organisation, that could also work well.
A sixth way to stay current with industry trends is to reflect on your learning and track your progress. Reflection can help you consolidate your learning, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and plan your next steps. You can reflect on your learning by writing a journal, creating a portfolio, or sharing your insights with others. Track your progress by setting goals, measuring outcomes, and celebrating achievements. Reflection and tracking can help you stay motivated, focused, and adaptable.