Tips for Making a Career Change

Are you looking to make a career change this year?

Are you ready for a new challenge?

?We know it can often be a daunting process. Being fully prepared (or as prepared as you can be!) for the journey will make the transition much easier. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or relatively new to the world of work, transitioning to a new career path may be the change you need this year! As a talent team, we love supporting our people with career transitions. That’s why in this article, we’ll share our top tips to help you plan your new career today.

1.????Reflect on your skills and passions

The first step of making a career change is looking inward to determine what skills, then reflect on how those skills can be transferrable towards a new career. Think about what you are knowledgeable about, passionate about, what you want to learn and what can you bring into the positions from past experiences. Write down these points and take a moment to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. ?

2.????Do some research!

Research the industry and what that specific job would entail, especially if it is drastically different from your current role. Look around Linkedin and other sites for information on current positions available so you can get an idea of requirements, opportunities, and what kind of work you will be doing. Maybe the role you are interested in is mostly based in a certain region or city or require a certain degree that you don’t yet have.

3.????Prepare yourself for the transition

Many career changes, depending on how dramatic may require different degrees, knowledge, or experience than your current role. Figure out what these may be and start preparing. It doesn’t have to mean going back to university (although this is certainly an option) but also taking an online course, especially those that give certification. Study a required language or try and take tests that may give you an edge in the hiring process. There are many websites available that offer classes, including Linkedin that will prepare you for a career change, and give a good impression on a future employer.

4.????Get some advice and some experience

Talk with coworkers to get an idea of the kind of work they do, and to get a feel for the reality of their roles. If you are interested in changing careers inside your company this is especially useful. If possible, shadow someone in the role you are interested, which will give you an even better impression of what it might entail. If you can find one, getting a mentor in the field or talk with a recruiter in that space for advice. While it may not be possible for some, internships are also a great opportunity to experience a job on a temporary basis before committing to the complete change.

We hope this information was helpful! We hope your plans include considering JERA as a place to make your career change a success too. If you’re interested in learning more about #LifeAtJERA or if you’re looking for a new challenge this year, check out our open positions under ‘Jobs’ and stay connected with us by following the JERA page on LinkedIn. We’re hiring!

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