Is It Time for a Change?
Career changes are more common than ever. The average person changes careers 3-7 times in their lifetime. If you're feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or curious about a different path, you're not alone.
Phase 1: Self-Discovery
1. Assess Your Current Situation
Ask yourself:
- What aspects of my current job do I enjoy?
- What drains my energy?
- What would I do if money wasn't a factor?
2. Identify Transferable Skills
Many skills transfer across industries:
- Project management
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Data analysis
Make a list of your transferable skills—you have more than you think.
3. Explore Your Interests
Consider:
- What topics do you read about for fun?
- What do people ask your advice on?
- What did you want to be before "practical" took over?
Phase 2: Research and Planning
4. Research Target Industries
- Conduct informational interviews
- Follow industry leaders on LinkedIn
- Read industry publications and reports
- Attend virtual conferences or meetups
5. Identify the Gap
What skills or experience do you need to be competitive? Common ways to bridge the gap:
- Online courses and certifications
- Volunteer work or side projects
- Part-time or freelance work
- Internships (yes, even mid-career)
6. Build Your Financial Runway
Career changes often involve a temporary income reduction. Prepare by:
- Saving 6-12 months of expenses
- Reducing unnecessary spending
- Exploring side income while transitioning
Phase 3: Making the Move
7. Update Your Personal Brand
- Revamp your LinkedIn profile for your target industry
- Create a portfolio showcasing relevant work
- Write about your transition story—authenticity stands out
8. Leverage Your Network
80% of jobs are filled through networking. Reach out to:
- Former colleagues now in your target industry
- Alumni from your school
- LinkedIn connections in relevant roles
9. Start Small
Consider transitional roles that bridge your old and new careers. For example, if moving from sales to marketing, look for marketing roles at companies in your current industry.
10. Embrace the Learning Curve
Your first role in a new field may be more junior than your previous position. That's okay—view it as an investment in your long-term career.
Kaareer's Career Roadmap helps you map out the skills and steps needed to transition into your target role, breaking down an overwhelming change into manageable milestones.