If you're considering a career change, there are several steps to take in order to ensure your success. Stage one is your gut check. Stage two involves a career experiment. Stage 3 is where you apply for a job and adjust to your new lifestyle. You should consult your significant other if you're considering a career shift.
The first stage involves a gut test
Gut judgements are very valuable when considering a career shift, especially when you have little time. It's not practical to spend your entire time looking at your options. When making a significant decision, however, it is worthwhile to do so. Even if your gut feeling is certain, it is worth double-checking with additional evidence.
Stage two is a career experiment
Career exploration plays an important role in career development. It is the first step toward building a professional network and gaining knowledge about a particular career field. You will get to know people from other industries and can ask them questions about what they do. This research can be done by the Career Center.
Career experimentation can help you improve your skills and establish a personal brand. It can help you identify your ideal role and outline the steps needed to get there. While the career experiment itself is not a magic bullet to a new job, a smart experiment can supercharge the rest of your job search and increase your chances of success.
Stage three is the application for a new job
It is important to take action during this stage. You will need to learn new skills, retrain for a new job, and also consider how to manage your personal as well as professional life. This can often mean a change in your morning routine, new courses, or joining a group. You might also feel hopeful and excited during this stage. However, you must keep in mind that this transition can be challenging and may cause you to become more reflective and strategic.
Step four is to adjust to your new life.
As you move from Stage One to Stage Four of the process of changing career, you will need to learn to balance your priorities in a new life and new career. You must let go of friends and relationships that drain you. Accept the fact that you won't be able have the same influence on everyone. Accept that you are not the only one making decisions.
You will need to acquire new skills and retrain in order to succeed in your new job. You must also learn how to balance your new job with your personal life. There are likely to be changes such as a new routine, new classes, new plans or joining groups. This is a time when you can feel both excited and overwhelmed by a change.