In a world of ongoing job market transformations, many people are taking the bold leap to hit the reset button on their careers. Perhaps there are less opportunities for growth and advancement, you’ve started to feel like you’re missing out on something you’d really love to be doing every day, or you just need a change of pace.
Whatever the reason, now you’re faced with a difficult proposition: switching industries.
Today, let’s delve more into the benefits of changing industries and the steps to make this type of career move successful.
The first question you’ll want to consider is, what can you gain by a career pivot? Well, other than the positive impact of changing to an industry that better matches your interests and skills can have on your happiness and fulfilment, there are several other potential benefits. According to myworkingway.com, one of the primary advantages to shifting industries is enhancing and expanding your professional experiences.
Moving to a new industry can also create growth opportunities, increase your salary, and expand your network.
So then, what steps should you take to make this a smooth transition?
1. Evaluate your skillset:
Probably the single most important thing to consider when moving industries is your core skillset. Before making a move, it’s important to know what competencies and value you bring to the table, especially which skills are transferable to a new industry. A notable example of a transferable skill with broad applications is communication. Other soft skills include problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, among many others. Identifying specific soft and hard skills can be very empowering.
While it’s possible to make a drastic shift in industry, many people will find it easier to move to an adjacent field.
In that case, competencies may be shared between the two areas. For example, a software developer and video game developer both rely on underlying skills such as programming and code design. Identify the skills you possess that are most transferable and keep them in mind as you move forward.
2. Research new industries:
If skills are the first most important thing to consider, the target industry is a close second. You might choose your destination based on the skills you have cultivated, something you have a passion for, or other reasons.
Do a deep dive into what industries and jobs interest you and support your talents.
Some companies are willing to train new employees; otherwise, you can seek out additional training or education on your own to help align better with the needs of your target. Seeking out others in that field can also help you gain a better understanding of the industry and related jobs. Additionally, it’s vitally important to have a good resume that represents you, your abilities, and specifically how your past skills can contribute to the company’s future success in a new field. We strongly recommend seeking the services of a career professional in order to maximize the value of your first impression.
3. Practice Patience:
Changing jobs is daunting enough, and switching industries is undoubtedly more so. We know from employment data that it can sometimes take 3-6 months to find a job. With the right mindset and the willingness to put in the work, changing industries can be a rewarding, fulfilling, and profitable venture that can help set you on a path to greater career satisfaction.
The key to remember is that job searching is a marathon and not a sprint.
A blend of patience, flexibility, and forward-moving actions will help you to stay motivated and focused on the road to success.