How Can I Change Careers?

Answer:
Career changes are scary and exciting at the

same time! When you are preparing to change careers, there are a few things to think about.

1. Do you really need a change of career? It's important to decide if you need a change of career or just a vacation or a different job. A career change is a big commitment.

2. Assess your strengths and desires. Before making a big decision like a career change, decide what you want and what you are good at. Career counselors can help, as can self-assessment tools or career tests, both available online.

3. Narrow down your choices. Take the careers that you seemed most compatible with from your career test or self assessments and narrow them down. A list of five to eight possible careers is much more manageable than a longer list, which can be overwhelming. Pay special attention to careers that you have thought you might be interested in.

4. Research. Check job descriptions, educational requirements, how the job market is faring, and how much you are likely to earn in the job. In addition, talk to people in the field. What do they think of the career? Firsthand knowledge is essential when deciding on a career.

5. Decide on a new career path. You have to choose a field in order to go much farther in this process!

6. Set goals. Give yourself a timeline for when you want to be in this new career, and list any steps that need to be taken: schooling, internships, etc. Setting multiple small goals is much less overwhelming than one large goal.

7. Begin training. Whether you need to attend school or get some internship experience, it's time to begin! You may be able to get experience while working in your current job.

8. Start looking for work in your new field!


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