Are you feeling stuck in your career? Are you looking for a way to make a change but don’t know how to get started? You’re not alone. A lot of people find themselves in this position, especially women. The good news is that it is possible to transition to a new industry or career without experience – you just need to know what steps to take. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making a career change, regardless of whether you have any experience or formal training. You’ve already done the hardest part: admitting you want something new. So let’s get started and make it happen!
Why changing careers is a popular choice
According to the 2022 Women in the Workplace report from LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company, women leaders are switching jobs at a higher rate than ever before. Why are so many women choosing to switch careers? According to the report, “it’s increasingly important to women leaders that they work for companies that prioritize flexibility, employee well-being, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).” Sound familiar?
Changing careers to better align with your priorities can feel daunting, but there are a few key steps you can take to make the transition easier and less stressful.
What you need to do before making a change
Before you make any major life changes, it’s important to take some time and reflect on what you want from your career. This might include identifying the values that are most important to you, thinking about how much responsibility you want and need in your work, or considering the types of people you want to work with.
It’s also important to identify your “Why” – the reason you want to change careers. This can be something as simple as wanting more flexibility, or it might be something more complex like needing to feel fulfilled by your work. Whatever your “Why” is, identify it and keep it in mind as you move forward with your career transition. This will help you stay focused and motivated if the path becomes a bit rocky.
How to identify your ideal career
Once you’ve thought about your priorities and motivations, it’s time to start thinking about the specific career or industry that is a good fit for you. This might involve doing some research online, talking to people in your network, or attending networking events in your area.
As you explore different industries and careers, consider what skills and experiences you already have that could be beneficial in your new role. For example, if you’re considering a job in product marketing but don’t have any direct experience, think about the other types of work you’ve done (such as writing blog posts or managing social media accounts) that could translate into skills that are relevant for a product marketing role. You’ll likely surprise yourself with how much experience you have that you hadn’t previously realized!
The steps of making a career change
Once you’ve done your research and identified a new career path that is a good fit for you, it’s time to start taking action. The first steps are to your resume, your bio on LinkedIn, and any other public-facing job materials.
Next, reach out to people in your network who work in the industry or role that interests you. These conversations can help you learn more about the types of roles available, what employers are looking for, and ways you can prepare yourself for success in this new field or job. Don’t hesitate to ask people for informational interviews and be clear that you are hoping to move into their field. You never know, their company could have an open role!
The final step is to take action. This might mean applying for jobs that interest you or trying a freelance career in order to gain relevant experience before making a full-time career change.
Regardless of the path you choose, remember that change takes time, and it’s important to be patient and persistent as you pursue your new career goals. With the right support, tools, and strategies in place, you can make a successful transition to a new industry or career without any experience under your belt. Practice self-compassion throughout the process: although it’s difficult, many people aren’t brave enough to take the impressive leap you’re making!
Tips for staying motivated during the transition process
As you begin your career transition, it’s important to find ways to stay motivated and inspired along the way.
One of the best ways to do this is by building a supportive community of people who can help you through the transition process. This could mean joining a local meetup group for professionals in your field, connecting with other people on social media, or reaching out to friends and family members for advice and support. They can assure you that any road bumps are normal, and even important, parts of the career-change process.
You can also turn to online resources like articles, podcasts, or videos that feature inspirational stories from women who have made similar career transitions. These tools will help keep you focused on your goals and remind you that you’re not alone as you work toward making your dream career change a reality.
Though it may seem challenging, making a career transition is not out of the scope of possibility. With dedication and plenty of motivation, you can find success in an unfamiliar industry or role. Looking for more support? Check out our in-depth guide on changing careers, or explore our career guides!
