By Joe Wallace
Want a Change?
Sometimes after working for a while in one career, the itch to branch out to new areas strikes. What kinds of things can a career-changing job seeker look to do? What strategies should be implemented?
1. Look at your transferable skills. What do you do now, that could be done in another vocation? Do you have management skill? Teaching skills?
2. What other type of work appeals to you? Do some career exploration. Ask questions.
3. Where are the opportunities that appeal to you? Are you willing to relocate if necessary?
Making a mid-career change can be accomplished with planning, leg-work, and desire.
Career Research Sources
To find out more about different careers, use the following research tools:
1. Government employment agencies such as the Department of Labor or local employment office.
2. Department of Labor publications on employment options and career outlooks, such as Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. These can be found at your local library.
3. The Internet. Explore employment/job sites, employment forums, and sites run by temporary agencies and head-hunters.
Enthusiastic Employees
Examine your hobbies to determine whether they can be turned into employment opportunities.
A love for animals could lead you to work in an animal shelter or to study for a career as a veterinarian or veterinary assistant. If you enjoy drawing, painting, or digital graphics, you may enjoy commercial illustration or advertising design. Be creative, and explore your employment opportunities and options.
Interest Inventories
Look into taking an "interest inventory" to help you select a career. These objective tests help give you an idea of what you are good at and what you enjoy.
A vocational advisor may offer one or several of the following popular interest inventories:
The Holland Self-Directed Search
The Strong Interest Inventory
The Jackson Vocational Interest Survey
Free interest inventories are also available online.
Remain Objective When Searching
Get as much help as you can in your job search. Vocational Counselors, Career Counselors, Career Coaches and Employment Counselors are all trained to help you find your niche. These professionals can help you think about your career in a new way by suggesting employment opportunities that you hadn't considered before. Sometimes, an objective viewpoint is all you need to jump start your job search.
Includ Keywords in Your Job Search
Maximize your job bank search results by using multiple keyword searches.
For example, if you are investigating careers in process engineering, you should search for this job title as well as keywords like Delta V, Delta Digital Automation, or Delta Jobs.
If you work in the warehouse/shipping industry and want to change jobs but stay in that field, you could search keywords like Fedex jobs, UPS jobs or shipping jobs.
Career Exploration
Explore your career options before you decide on one. Interview professionals in the field and research the job market.
Choosing a first career or changing careers can be intimidating. By doing some research you can eliminate some of the uncertainty.
Aptitude Testing
Because you will be spending so much of your life at your career, your likes and aptitudes should weigh heavily in your career decision.
If you are unsure of your aptitudes, ask a Vocational Evaluator or Vocational Counselor in your area or at your school for help. They can help you discover your strengths and suggest careers that will match them.
Finding the Right Atmosphere
When choosing a career, consider the type of atmosphere that you feel most comfortable in. Are you the type of person who works better with people or with objects? Do you prefer motion and activity, or calm and quiet?
You're more likely to do well in your career when you are in a comfortable environment.
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