What steps can Technical Support professionals take to prepare for a career change?

1 Assess your skills and interests

The first step to prepare for a career change is to assess your current skills and interests, and how they align with your desired career path. You can use online tools, such as Skillcrush or CareerExplorer, to discover your strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits, and to find out what careers match your profile. You can also conduct informational interviews with people who work in the fields that interest you, and ask them about their roles, responsibilities, and challenges. This will help you gain a realistic perspective of what to expect, and what skills and qualifications you need to acquire or improve.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

The next step is to update your resume and portfolio to showcase your relevant skills and achievements for your target career. You can use resume templates and examples from sites like ResumeGenius or Zety, to create a professional and customized resume that highlights your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and customer service. You can also use online platforms, such as GitHub or Behance, to create a portfolio that demonstrates your technical skills and projects, such as coding, web development, or graphic design. Make sure to include links to your portfolio and social media profiles on your resume, and to tailor your resume and portfolio to each job application.

3 Learn new skills and certifications

Another step to prepare for a career change is to learn new skills and certifications that are in demand for your desired career. You can use online courses, such as Coursera or Udemy, to learn new topics and technologies, such as data analysis, cloud computing, or cybersecurity. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare, to improve your soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, or creativity. Additionally, you can pursue certifications that validate your expertise and credibility, such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft certifications. These will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.

4 Network and apply for jobs

The final step to prepare for a career change is to network and apply for jobs that match your skills and interests. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn or Indeed, to find and apply for jobs that suit your profile and goals. You can also use online tools, such as Jobscan or ResumeWorded, to optimize your resume and cover letter for each job posting, and to increase your chances of passing the applicant tracking systems (ATS). Moreover, you can use online platforms, such as Meetup or Eventbrite, to find and attend networking events, workshops, and webinars related to your desired career. This will help you expand your professional network, learn from industry experts, and discover new opportunities.