What do you do if you want to switch careers and need in-demand skills for creative problem solving?

2 Explore the market and trends

Once you have a general direction for your career change, you need to do some research on the market and the trends in your chosen field or industry. This will help you understand the current and future needs and opportunities, as well as the skills and qualifications that are in demand. You can use sources such as job boards, industry reports, professional associations, social media, and networking events to gather relevant information and insights. You can also look for examples of successful people and companies in your field, and analyze how they use creative problem solving to overcome challenges and create value.

3 Learn new skills and knowledge

To make a successful career switch, you need to update your skills and knowledge to match the requirements and expectations of your new role. You can do this by taking online courses, attending workshops, reading books and articles, watching videos and podcasts, or enrolling in a formal education program. You can also look for opportunities to apply your learning to real-world problems, such as volunteering, freelancing, participating in competitions, or joining a community of practice. As you learn new skills and knowledge, you should also practice your creative problem solving process, which typically involves four steps: clarifying the problem, generating ideas, evaluating and selecting solutions, and implementing and testing results.

4 Build your portfolio and network

To showcase your creative problem solving skills to potential employers, you need to have a portfolio of projects and achievements that demonstrate your ability to find innovative and effective solutions. You can use your portfolio to highlight your skills, knowledge, process, results, and impact in various contexts and situations. You can also include testimonials, feedback, awards, or recognition that you received for your work. To create your portfolio, you can use online platforms, tools, or templates that suit your field and industry. You should also build your network of contacts and connections that can support your career change, such as mentors, peers, recruiters, or influencers. You can use your network to seek advice, referrals, recommendations, or opportunities, as well as to share your portfolio and showcase your value.

5 Adapt and improve continuously

Finally, you need to be ready to adapt and improve continuously as you pursue your new career. You will face new challenges, uncertainties, and changes that will require you to use your creative problem solving skills on a regular basis. You should also seek feedback, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes. You should also keep track of your progress, goals, and achievements, and update your portfolio and network accordingly. By doing so, you will not only enhance your creative problem solving skills, but also your confidence, motivation, and satisfaction in your new career.

6 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?