What do you do if you're a late career professional looking to switch fields within team building?

1 Assess Skills

Before making any moves, take stock of the skills you've honed over the years. In team building, certain competencies such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership are universally valuable. Consider how these skills can translate to a new role within the field. You might find that your experience in facilitating group dynamics or designing team-building exercises is just as applicable to a new sector as it was to your old one. Reflect on your achievements and how they can bolster your transition.

2 Research Roles

Once you've mapped out your transferable skills, research potential roles that align with your experience and interests. Look for positions where your background in team building will be an asset. For instance, if you've excelled in creating collaborative environments, seek out roles that require fostering team cohesion. Job descriptions can give you a sense of what's out there and help identify any gaps in your knowledge or experience that you may need to fill.

3 Update Resume

Your resume should reflect your most relevant experience and skills that pertain to the new field within team building you're targeting. Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise in fostering teamwork and leadership. Tailor your resume to speak directly to the job you want, emphasizing the aspects of your past roles that are most transferrable to the new position. This might mean rewording your experiences to align with the language and priorities of the new field.

4 Network Actively

Networking is crucial when changing fields. Connect with professionals already working in the area of team building you're interested in. Attend industry events, join online forums, and participate in relevant workshops or courses to meet people and learn more about the field. These connections can provide invaluable insights, advice, and may even lead to job opportunities. Remember, your professional network is one of the best resources at your disposal.

5 Acquire Knowledge

To bridge any knowledge gaps, consider pursuing additional training or certifications relevant to your new desired role within team building. Educational resources are plentiful, from online courses to workshops and seminars. This not only bolsters your skill set but also demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to excelling in this new field. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant and competitive.

6 Start Small

If possible, start with smaller projects or part-time work in the new field to gain practical experience. This can be an effective way to ease into a new area of team building without the pressure of a full-time role. It allows you to test the waters, build confidence, and further develop specific skills needed for your desired position. Small steps can lead to significant career advancements.

7 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?