subject: Changing Career At 30 [print this page] People decide to change their careers for different reasons. Some do it to get better remuneration while others may do so just to follow a long held dream or passion. However, regardless of your reasons for wanting to change career, the transition can be challenging. There are a number of things you must take head to in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you want to have a career change at 30, first develop a strategic plan. Start by noting down where you are now in your career. Next, list down your passions, interests as well as any particular options that have always appealed to you and that you would enjoy doing. This list is will serve as your guide in picking out the career that best suits you.
Do you know of any friends or relatives that are in any of the lines of work you have listed? If you do, spend some time with them in order to understand the inner workings of the job. An even better source of information would be someone that has made a successful transition to the new career.
Get answers to some key questions such as - What are the challenges of the career? What are its benefits? How would this new career change your lifestyle? What are the responsibilities and duties of a person in this career?
Candidly evaluate your skills, knowledge, abilities and interests against the information you have now acquired on what each job entails. You may realize that some jobs may sound exciting on paper but knowledge, skills and personality might not be compatible with the career.
Prepare your rsum. Remember that you are changing careers and your old resume might not be of much help in getting you a job in your new career. You have to adjust your resume to address the expectations of recruiters in your new field. Gather information on what your resume must have by searching online and by talking to the people around you.
With the resume ready, start to look for work. Looking in the right place for jobs places you a step ahead of anyone that is looking for the same job you are. Make use of credible online sites such as Jobsite where you can pick out the opportunities that best match your current skill set.
Remember to network. Go for events where you are more likely to interact with professionals in your new field. Let them know you are available by talking about your skills, expertise and new career interest. Identify persons that are key decision makers in their organisation and find a way to initiate conversation and exchange contacts. Remember to follow them up after the first encounter just to remind them that you are still interested in the job.
You should consider either taking a short course relating to your new career or taking up a part time job related to the new career first before completely transitioning. Even a brief course in your new career is a strong statement to recruiters that you are serious about making the change.
