Do Your Research Before Changing Careers

Changing careers is not uncommon, and throughout the years I have worked with many clients who were embarking on a new career. If you've been thinking about changing careers and have pinpointed a new career path, it's important to consider the following before making the change:

Do you really know what the job entails?

1. Do you know the salary range for this occupation?
2. Do you know the employment projections for this occupation?
3. Have you looked at a job description for this occupation?

If the salary and employment projections meet your needs, take a look at the job description and make two lists:

1. What skills and experiences do you already have? Focus on "transferable" skills. For example, supervising, managing projects, working with a certain computer program, etc.

2. What skills are you lacking? Would additional training, education, or a certification benefit you?

Consider setting up a meeting with someone you know who's in your desired occupation?

1. Discuss with the person your experiences as well as what skills you're lacking. Ask for his/her honest opinion on your skills (does the person recommend additional training, a certification, etc.).

During the meeting, ask additional questions to make sure this career will be a good fit:

1. "What do you like most about you job? Least?"

2. "What do you know now, that you wish you would have known when you entered the field?"

3. "What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career change and looking at this occupation?"

Note: Follow up with a thank you!

Before taking the plunge, do your research. You don't want to enter a new career path, only to find it's not a good fit.