Changing Careers can be a Daunting Process

Until now, you have been working any job that would hire you. You didn’t know what you wanted in life, so the thought of finding a “dream job” felt completely foreign. Today, however, you have clarity on what kind of career you would most enjoy. The problem is, you have no idea how to break into it. Do you need to go back to school? Or can you simply get an entry level position and work your way up?

One thing is certain: you are not alone. Breaking into a new industry can be intimidating!

Here are three things you can do to position yourself for a new career:

1. Commit to learning one new skill within your desired industry every week.

The biggest roadblock to breaking into a new industry is your lack of experience. Even entry level positions usually require some level of “experience.” However, do not let this deter you! Everyone starts from zero. Here is how you can start gaining experience:

• List out all of the possible skills a position in this industry might require.
• Pick three skills from the list and research free online resources on those skills (YouTube tutorials, online courses, articles, podcasts, etc.)
• Spend at least 1 hour every day studying those resources and writing down your top takeaways.

2. Share what you've learned on LinkedIn.

You’ve learned some new skills. Now prove it! Share the lessons or skills you have learned on LinkedIn. Write your own articles, case studies, and insights from your research. Start conversations with other people in the industry and network. Take a skill quiz on LinkedIn and it will be displayed on your page.

3. Find a mentor in the industry.

Talk to an expert in your desired industry. Find out what they look for when hiring. Ask them to review what you’ve shared on LinkedIn and give honest feedback on how you could improve. Who knows, they may become a great reference.

If you still feel overwhelmed or confused about how to position yourself in a new industry, we offer free career coaching workshops and consults. Sign up for an upcoming workshop here or email us for more information.