Is It Time For A Career Pivot? How Can You Be Sure?
Making a career change can be a really intimidating concept for many people, especially when it involves pivoting to a completely different industry. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding if done right and maybe set you up for a career you really love contributing to.
The key to success is to ensure that the pivot you make is worthwhile. But how can you be sure your choices are the right ones? In this post, we’ll discuss methods to help you determine if a career pivot is right for you and how to make the transition with confidence – even if you are a little worried at the prospect right now.
Your Interests & Skills – They Always Count
Before making any moves, it’s important to assess your current skills and interests. What do you excel at and what do you find fulfilling? This can give you an idea of the types of careers or industries that would be a good fit for you. It’s also important to consider your long-term goals and what you want to achieve in your career.
Additionally, take a personality test or career assessment to better understand your strengths and weaknesses. This can give you a clearer idea of the types of work environments, industries, and jobs that would be a good match for you. Perhaps you’ll sustain the same skills, but used in a transferable environment, you’ll be a lot happier.
Research Potential Career Paths
Once you have a better understanding of your skills and interests, start researching potential career paths. Look at job descriptions and salary ranges, as well as opportunities. Do you want to move laterally or ascend upwards? Note that it can be very worthwhile to focus on an entry-level approach if it gets you into an industry you care about, for instance these entry level environmental consultant jobs are perfect for anyone that hopes to make a difference in their career.
Reaching out to professionals currently working in the industry can provide valuable insights and advice. Consider setting up informational interviews with individuals in positions you aspire to be in, asking about their career journey, and how they navigated the industry.
Renew Your Skills
It’s always good to invest in yourself so the new direction is substantiated. Start by taking courses or getting certifications in your desired field. This will not only help you gain the capabilities you need, but also show potential employers that you are serious about making the transition.
Consider taking on volunteer positions or part-time jobs related to your desired field, even if it’s not in a paid capacity. This allows you to gain experience, build your portfolio, and make connections in the industry which is a very useful path to take.
Moreover, you might just need to top up on small things to make sure that you’re suitable for a particular industry. Having compliance training in hand can be wonderful should you wish to apply for a position, for instance, as the onboarding process will be easier to deal with.
With this advice, we hope you can move into that career pivot in the most successful way.
