Considering changing careers? Developing a winning game plan
Lots of people are now considering changing careers. Layoffs, outsourcing and other shifts in labor demands are being felt around the world. For many, changing careers now might be a smart move. If you've worked in the textile industry, manufacturing, or in a IT management position for decades, you may be feeling vulnerable right about now. If you're getting signals that indicate your field is shrinking, it may be high time to explore other options. It sure won't hurt to take a look into changing careers, before you're forced to do so. The best defense is an offense, right?
If you're considering changing careers, you know that this is a radical move. This means you want to develop a game plan now. If you're going to make a bold move, you might as well go for the gold. What do you want to do? Do you have a secret career dream you've been nursing for years, but never put into action? Consider what sort of career would prove to be personally satisfying? Now's your chance. Give it some thought. Maybe your dream is within reach.
There's no such thing as a foolproof career change. Ten years ago, who would have thought that the U.S. manufacturing market would virtually collapse? Times change and we all need to be flexible and resourceful.
A good first step in your reconnoitering is a visit to your state Human Resources and Department of Education offices. Check out job boards. See which industries are hot or not hot. Check into available retraining programs, grants and scholarships to launch your new career. Balancing job security and personal satisfaction is a key point in your efforts in changing careers. If your dream is to open an equestrian center, you've got to consider the market demand. This may not be an ideal choice right now. On the other hand, if you've always harbored a desire to work in the medical field, you may be in the catbird seat, even in this ailing economy.
When you've decided on which field you want to pursue, it's time to get going. Take night or online distance learning classes in pursuit of a certificate or degree program which will qualify you for the position you've got in mind.
Networking is essential when you're changing careers. There are several effective strategies you'll want to put in place. Familiarize yourself with the social networking websites. Check them out and find out which ones are appropriate to marketing your career goals. The social networking websites can be a powerful vehicle in cyberspace exposure. Don't neglect the message boards and online job boards. If there are job fairs applicable to your new career, go to every one.
The final objective in your game plan is to get your face out there. Changing careers may be the best move you've ever made.
