Are you considering a career transition?
Career transitions can take different forms. For example, you may be moving from a career in one industry to a different one but using your existing skills. Or you might be completely changing the type of work you do. Either way, advice for consideration of a career transition can apply to both. In his article, “A Tourist’s Guide to Changing Careers” (HBR April 13, 2015), Jon Acuff recommends you treat career transition as though you were a tourist. As he explains, a tourist who is interested in France does not up and move to Paris, rather she plans a trip to visit for a week. Similarly, a person thinking of a career change may choose to learn a new skill before changing careers. This is a fairly safe way to determine if you have an interest in that new skill and, if you do, how you can parlay that into a new career.
Another thing to consider is that many of your skills are transferrable to another career. Clear communication skills, and the ability to execute quickly, think creatively, and build networks are all transferrable skills that Christopher Bowe used to move from journalism to consulting (“Identifying the Skills That Can Help You Change Careers,” HBR August 6, 2015). You can start by developing an inventory of your existing skills and determining how those skills might be used in the career that you imagine.
In an interview with Adi Ignatius (HBR September 8, 2023), Herminia Ibarra suggests you experiment by asking yourself what six or so companies you might be interested in or what five different career pathways you may take. She further recommends you do this in parallel to speed up the process of determining a career change.
Another approach would be “trying on” a new career by volunteering your time to an organization in a capacity that is new to you. This might require you to leave your current position but, if you have the financial wherewithal, could be a good option.
Regardless of the path you decide, changing careers can be emotional. I made the move four years ago from a long career in the healthcare industry to higher education and had to learn new operating and financing models. Since I am a life-long learner, this was energizing and exciting but also scary. I needed to be willing to admit when I did not know something (which was often) and ask a lot of questions. But it also gave me confidence since I had a fresh perspective and could bring my experience to bear.
Many of us identify ourselves through the title we hold, the organization we work for, or the work that we do. A new career might not have the same level of perceived importance, or you might be entering that career at a lower level of seniority. Adjusting will require a lot of thought about how you explain your new situation. It will be important to create an “elevator pitch” that you can use in social and business situations that clearly explains the change you made and why you are excited about that change.
The employment landscape has changed rapidly. Now might be the time to consider a career change. With proper planning, creative thinking, and careful risk-taking, you may find the career you have been dreaming about.