Career Transitions & Making a Successful Switch to a New Industry

How many times have you gotten frustrated with your job -or even your career- and thought to yourself: "I'm done! I refuse to do this for the rest of my life!"?

Chances are that this has happened to every one of us more than 10 times throughout our professional life. And while some of us don't really mean it -it could've been "just a bad day", and in reality, we do enjoy what we do- What about those who really mean it when they say "I refuse to do this for the rest of my life"?

Maybe they did like their career of choice at first, however, as time went by, they might have noticed that they're really "not built for it". Other people could've focused on "the career that made the most amount of money" without considering that maybe it doesn't sound as interesting to them.

We could continue talking about the reasons why people might choose a career that's not a good fit for them, but that's not today's topic.

Let's say you just finished reading our article where we talk about "How To Know If You're On The Right Career Path" , and your answer to everything was "Yes, I'm 100% sure I want to make the switch, what's next?"

Today's article will dive into the actual action plan for those who really mean it when they say they need a career switch -where to begin, and tips to do it the best way possible.-

5 steps to make the switch

1. Take some time to think

Begin by reflecting on your skills, interests, values, and goals. Evaluate what you enjoy doing and what motivates you. Identify your transferable skills that can be applied to different industries. This self-assessment will help you gain clarity on the direction you want to take.

What are transferable skills?

Transferable skills, as the name suggests, are?skills you can transfer from one job to another. These may be soft skills, like collaboration and problem-solving, or hard skills, such as data analytics or coding.

And while yes, soft skills are important, when thinking about your transferable skills, think about those hard skills you could use in other careers. (For example, if you have programming skills, in which careers could you use them?)

When you narrow down your top transferable skills, it will be easier for you to narrow down the potential careers to which you can make a smoother transition.

One client I worked with discovered that teaching school was a great background for planning and project management , for example. Even though those two roles are nothing alike, there are clearly transferable skills. When the title is removed, the skills show up.

2. Research and Exploration

Dive into thorough research about the industries and roles you are considering. Gather information about the job market, growth prospects, required skills, and qualifications. Explore different industries, companies, and job descriptions to find the best fit for your interests and goals.

This will help you develop a better idea (and a more realistic one) of what to expect in the career you're aiming for. Every industry is a whole different world, with different goals, demands, and salary expectations.

3. Professional Development

Now it's time to start the transition!

Invest in developing the skills and knowledge you need for your desired career path. Take courses, get certifications, and attend workshops.

There are tons of online learning platforms and resources to acquire new skills or even improve existing ones.

This is the part where it gets tricky and people tend to give up because of how overwhelming it might seem at first.

This is why mentors are always encouraged when making these big jumps. Having a mentor that is currently in the industry -or even the job- that you want, can make it easier for you. You will be able to have an experienced set of eyes that will guide you into the challenges you might face along the way!

4. Network, network, network

Have you ever heard of the phrase "fake it 'til you make it"? Well, this is no different.

We are not saying to fake a persona to build connections, but people tend to think that you need to already be "inside the bubble" in order to meet new people in an industry, and that couldn't be further from the truth.

Be honest, and be curious. Go into those conferences (even if you don't understand some things at first, don't worry, you'll get there!), introduce yourself, talk to people who already are where you want to be, and most importantly, ask questions. By taking the time to know about the industry from first-hand experience, you might get some valuable insight that can help you throughout your journey.

5. Take Action and Adapt

Finally, take action on your career switch plan. Apply for relevant positions, attend industry events with a new perspective, and seize opportunities to showcase your skills and passion.

One thing you should always keep in mind: nothing is written in stone.

As much as we would all love to make a plan and see how everything beautifully aligns, this is not realistic. Be prepared and open to learning and adapting along the way, as your career switch journey may involve challenges and unforeseen opportunities.

Enjoy the journey!

Remember, a career switch requires patience, persistence, and continuous learning. Don't focus on the end goal, focus on the journey, but most importantly: enjoy it!

Stay focused on your goals, stay proactive in your approach, and remain open to new possibilities. With a well-planned action plan, you'll be on your way to successfully navigating your career transition.

Need some help building your action plan? Mentors got you!

Check out our 2000+ career mentors who are ready to help you out with this new and exciting stage of your life!