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Switching Career?
I have learned that many switch careers in their life. What are things I should consider if I want to change careers, or before deciding to switch?
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Chirayu’s Answer
If you're considering a career change, here are some important factors to consider: consider whether the new career aligns with your passions, interests, and values. Evaluate your current skills and determine if they transfer well to the new career, and what additional skills you may need to acquire. Research the job market for the new career, including job availability, salary expectations, and future growth potential. Determine if additional education or certification is required, and if it's feasible for you to obtain. Consider how a career change may impact your personal and professional life, including your work schedule, commute, and financial stability. Build connections with people in your desired field, and reach out to them for advice and mentorship. If possible, try to get exposure to the new career through internships, freelance work, or part-time job opportunities before making a full-time switch. Remember, a career change can be a big decision and it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and seek advice from trusted sources before making a decision.
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Andrew’s Answer
Hi Liam, I have been working at AT&T for 25 years, so you might wonder "Why is he responding to a question on switching careers?" I have a lot of experience in fact, because I have changed jobs about every 2 years. I started in Accounting as an accountant and while there I worked closely (and went to lunch with) people in the Finance department and later applied to be a financial analyst because I already understood what they do day to day and the hiring manager recognized me. After a few years, I started working closely (and getting coffee with) people in Marketing department. I helped them with their budget and they also needed help with graphs and charts. As I learned more about their department, I took a job in marketing. I repeated this process later in Sales, Operations, and now Human Resources. Today, I use my accounting skills measure how much learning new things benefits our employees and also our business. The moral of this story, if you network (and have meals and/or beverages) with the people you work with opportunities will open up to change careers.
Always be networking. On-line and face-to-face. Finding people that love what they do may spark a connection for you!
A good place to network is near the coffee machine or while grabbing lunch.
If the people you network with hate their job, don't be discouraged, YOU might be able to do it better than them... network with their boss!
Andrew recommends the following next steps:
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Tom’s Answer
"What are things I should consider if I want to change careers, or before deciding to switch?"
Liam, "know thyself" is a popular Greek aphorism that is fitting for your question. That can be a challenging maxim for the young and old alike. At a basic level, you will learn by doing, and there is nothing wrong with switching careers to try new interests. You can also learn by reading, writing and thinking. I've always found that writing helps me to synthesize my thoughts and learn what is and isn't important to me. When you read, it is the closest activity to time travel that we have in this world. Also, we don't spend much time thinking these days. Everyone has opinions and feelings that they would like to throw out at you, but when was the last time that you sat under a tree and just thought about your likes and dislikes without someone or something chirping at you? Lastly, I would encourage developing trusted relationships with people that know you and have seen you at work and play. You can gain solicited insights about yourself by talking with these people about your strengths and weaknesses. That's where great teachers and mentors come into play. I wish you success on your journey.
Liam, "know thyself" is a popular Greek aphorism that is fitting for your question. That can be a challenging maxim for the young and old alike. At a basic level, you will learn by doing, and there is nothing wrong with switching careers to try new interests. You can also learn by reading, writing and thinking. I've always found that writing helps me to synthesize my thoughts and learn what is and isn't important to me. When you read, it is the closest activity to time travel that we have in this world. Also, we don't spend much time thinking these days. Everyone has opinions and feelings that they would like to throw out at you, but when was the last time that you sat under a tree and just thought about your likes and dislikes without someone or something chirping at you? Lastly, I would encourage developing trusted relationships with people that know you and have seen you at work and play. You can gain solicited insights about yourself by talking with these people about your strengths and weaknesses. That's where great teachers and mentors come into play. I wish you success on your journey.
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Valerie’s Answer
Great question! If you are a student and young, I would say, first try to find a first job that you like. By this I mean try to study something and find a job that YOU want, not what others want (parents, friends, school, etc) and not what you think people want you to do. Follow your heart. Of course, not all young people know what they want and this is also perfectly fine. You have your whole life in front of you, Then, if this is the situation, do what you think is best for you right now. Then, whatever you do, you will learn and grow. This means that maybe at one point, you will see things differently, be willing to go into another direction, try something new, etc. leading to a career change. It's perfectly fine! So you probably now see why many change career: they did what others wanted them to do, or something they did not like. Or they changed, they grew, they see life differently, their interests change (that's wonderful!) and they want to do something else. I see a career change as a great way to have new energy and be good at other things, learn and grow further.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
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Siddharth’s Answer
Changing or switching careers is great but you want to ensure you are taking the right step. First I would recommend make sure you have a stable base from a financial standpoint. Next ensure that the career that you are switching into is what you want to pursue for the long term atleast the next 5-10 years as you dont want to find yourself wanting to switch again. Once you decide the field you want to switch to, do search for any certification or learning content you can sign up for to help get a head start.
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Monique’s Answer
I recommend doing your research and following your heart . If you can save up to make sure the transition is as comfortable or get any trainings or certifications needed to make the shift
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Mike’s Answer
Some change careers after a few years in the job force because they think they'd be better off in another career. Much later in life, some switch careers because their industry has moved on and is looking for fresh ideas.
The first thing you need to decide is if money or passion is more important to you. Hopefully you can find both, but knowing which is #1 could help your search. I'd buy the workbook "What color is my parachute?" and answer each of the questions honestly. That will help you determine what might be the best fit for your skills and desires. Then, I would use LinkedIn to find people in those industries and ask to take them out for a cup of coffee just to explore their career and employer. Don't ask for a job, just learn why the job is working out well for them. Learn about the culture. Ask about the future. If everything sounds great to you, then (and only then) ask them if their company has a referral program so that they can earn a bonus for getting your resume to HR or the hiring manager. That way, there is something in it for them to push your name to the top of the list.
The first thing you need to decide is if money or passion is more important to you. Hopefully you can find both, but knowing which is #1 could help your search. I'd buy the workbook "What color is my parachute?" and answer each of the questions honestly. That will help you determine what might be the best fit for your skills and desires. Then, I would use LinkedIn to find people in those industries and ask to take them out for a cup of coffee just to explore their career and employer. Don't ask for a job, just learn why the job is working out well for them. Learn about the culture. Ask about the future. If everything sounds great to you, then (and only then) ask them if their company has a referral program so that they can earn a bonus for getting your resume to HR or the hiring manager. That way, there is something in it for them to push your name to the top of the list.
Marquis L. Fletcher, MBA Business Intelligence
Engr III Spec-Data Science
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Marquis L.’s Answer
Considering a career change, I am all for it. There are a few things to consider what are your Career Goals, what skillset , Degrees or Certifications are need, how long to obtain, and what's the expected entry, mid and high salary for new career. Once you understand requirement and expectation for role make a logical decision to move forward.
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