What are some ways to help someone develop a career transition plan?

Why do you really want to move? You may think that the grass is greener elsewhere, but remember that it is greenest where it rains the most. Every firm has its share of dull work, dubious colleagues and poor bosses. Often, moving can be a permenant solution to a temporary problem (such as a bad boss). The starting point is to understand what really motivates you. Look back at the times when you have flourished most and ask why? What was it about the work, the context, the people that helped you flourish. That is probably the sort of context you need to recreate for yourself. Remember that you only excel at what you enjoy: find your joy.

Start by reflecting on your skills, values, interests, and passions. Consider what aspects of your current and past roles you enjoy and what you find fulfilling. Then assess what transferable skills could lend themselves to a new role. Explore industries, job roles, and companies to understand the skills and qualifications required. Build a strong professional network in your desired industry. Attend networking events, join industry-related groups on social media, and connect with professionals who have successfully transitioned into the field you are considering.

When someone wants to switch careers, find out what they enjoy doing at work and where they excel. Ask about tasks they find easy and those they struggle with. Listen carefully to their experiences and feelings. This helps discover strengths—things they are good at—and weaknesses—areas needing improvement. Encourage open communication, making them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Observing their enthusiasm for different tasks also provides valuable insights. By understanding both strengths and weaknesses, you can guide them towards a new career that aligns with their abilities and interests, fostering a happier and more successful journey.

Early involvement of and consultation with a professional from prospective career is also important. This will give early insight and clarity into what to expect in the new profession adding value to assessing the situation.

In my experience, developing a career transition plan involves a thorough self-assessment, setting clear goals, acquiring relevant skills, networking strategically, and seeking guidance from mentors in the desired field.

Here are three questions to ask yourself about your options: 1) Will I enjoy the work, the people, the culture? Enjoyment is vital: you only excel at what you enjoy. Only if you enjoy it can you put in all the discretionary effort which success requires 2) Will this help me build the skills and experience to help my career over the next 10-20 years? Will your older self be grateful to your youner self for your choice? 3) Am I set up for success: right support, right work, right culture? If not, walk away. Pay matters, but if the first three factors are in place then pay will normally flow behind your great performance.

And to listen really closely to what’s being communicated through this shift. In facilitating a process where you will enable them to read between the lines of what lies beyond the obvious. Decluttering their thinking and perspectives / options to make room for some sound advice which aligns with their true selves.

The first step is defining what you really want out of the next step in your career. Without this, coming up with a plan is futile. Once you know your direction, identify what decision makers are looking for in your space and learn to pitch yourself in a way that solves their problems.

In recent times, an E & R has been included for SMARTER goals. E stands for Evaluate and R stands for Readjust. Evaluating your goals and also the ability to readjust approaches to achieving your goals when needed.

Everything I needed to know I learnt in kindergarten.. simple skills reflected in grown up problem solving. All they need is to be reminded of how life works, no jargon, enough theory so as to reflect on what they already know (unless they have a track history of being self catastrophic!). This, only to substantiate the fact that it is wisdom and remaining humble that takes you further.

As important is identifying attributes a mentee already has that may be strengths and positive qualities in a new profession.

Creative leadership steps in here - bridging their gaps with their strengths while building on mental adaptability versus a framework of skills

In my experience, seeking support is one of the most effective tools anyone can have to their aid. However in practice, it’s the hardest to implement for many. For example, holding back due to fear of reaching out to someone. The success is one the other side of unapologetic request for support. Another hurdle is knowing the value of investment in one self. I have heard from mentees about their hesitation to seek paid coaching where required. I have learnt that investing in myself is one of the best investments I have made till date. There is also an element of risk in terms of how much return you get from investments. Considering the varied ROI from investments in myself, over the period of time the return is much more valuable.

Yes to all the above by bringing themselves forward and actively ‘exposing’ their traits and skills beyond the obviously visibly available forums -

Having a supportive network is so useful and nurturing. Find your circle of champions. If you meet naysayers, hear what they have to say but avoid letting their lack of enthusiasm dampen yours. Generally there may be more naysayers than champions so finding a supportive network is precious.

Esse é um passo importantíssimo e muitas vezes esquecido. Revisar o plano, significa mantê-lo atualizado e vivo para os mentorados nessa trajetória. Celebrar as pequenas conquistas também. Dois fatores importantes para manter a motiva??o para as a??es futuras.

I found it very challenging myself, to get people in my network to realize that I am no longer available for A,B,C, and I am happy to help with D,E,F. Even today, after being for six years mostly in training and mentoring, people will ring up and ask me a compliance or a law related question. So what helped me in transitioning my career, was sticking to my set of values, and what makes my heart skip a beat. I used all the knowledge and experience I gained, and fused it in my training and business consulting offerings. So when someone would switch from one extreme to the other, such as from Software Developer to Event Planner, the key is not to disown what you have been, but integrate that experience in your new career.

Transitioning to a new career can be both exciting and challenging, but right plan and mindset, can make it a successful and fulfilling journey. - Self Reflection - Research and Explore - Skills Assessment - Set Clear Goals - Build a Professional Network - Update your Resume and Online Presence - Acquire New Skills - Stay Positive and Persistent - Seek Support

When I did my career transition, the major thing I learnt was aligning myself with my values. In 2020, when I found myself standing outside Capitalism world. I asked myself - Why I was doing what was I doing? The career I was pursuing, do I really wanted to do that? Was it my conscious choice? The answer I received was NO. I was fumbling when I was trying to give explanation to my own inner voice. But answer was big NO. Then what was it? The important part is to understand whose voice we are listening- family, friends, society, religion group or what? We need to align our values to pursue the career we really want. Aligning our values to bring authenticity.

Fator crítico para o qual devemos nos preparar é o grau de interferência que nossa família e amigos exercem na nossa transi??o, principalmente quando estamos "trocando" o dinheiro, status e estabilidade por algo que nos fa?a mais feliz. A maneira que encontrei para amenizar essa interferência negativa foi envolvê-los, sempre que possível, nas minhas escolhas para que se sentissem mais tranquilos em rela??o ao que me fazia feliz e quanto estava encorajada e preparada para os futuros desafios.