Imagine yourself on a diving board over a deep pool. At first, you don’t know if you can jump. Then you see a couple of other people jump, and remember you climbed a long way to get here.
So, you jump.
The thrill is fantastic, and you know you’ve not only overcome a daunting experience, but you are excited to try it again.
Making a career change is like the high-dive board: at first, the change can seem daunting, and the pool too deep. But with preparation, the right technique and our top 10 tips for career transition you will be able to land right where you want.
1. Identify the things that matter
What are the criteria that matter to you? You may find some (respect, challenge, friends in the workplace, work/life balance) apply across a lot of industries. Some criteria (working with numbers and order instead of customer service) are more specialised and our short courses can help you develop those skills you need.
2. Do your research
Is the current job market good for a transition? What skills or qualifications will set you apart? Can you describe a day in the life of your dream job? It’s important to make a calculated decision when changing careers – and if calculated decisions are your thing, you might consider a career in accounting.
3. Money matters
Career transition doesn’t have to chew through your savings, but it may require some short-term outlay. Crunch the numbers and make sure you have enough spare cash to fund any professional development training or side-hustle strategies. The good news is WiseClick Training courses can count against your tax – and they’re not expensive to begin with.
4. Take small steps
It can be very tempting to throw your paperwork off the table and quit your career in a blaze of glory, but temperance is key. Start slowly by upskilling yourself with short courses or online classes and dip your toe in the water of your new career to see if you really like it.
5. Use your networks
Ask around to see if you have any friends or connections in the industry you are interested in. There’s a good chance you can find someone with experience in the field to ask some in-depth questions. Even if you really do want to become a professional high diver, you might be surprised who you already know!
6. Get uncomfortable
Starting a new role can feel a little uncomfortable but remember that is a positive emotion; it means you are learning new things and challenging yourself. Return to work courses are a great introduction back into the workforce if you have taken time off to raise kids or are re-evaluating your current skill levels.
7. Define your own success
Your current manager or colleagues might tell you it’s a mistake to leave your job, even if you have a solid plan. Ignore them – set your own measures for success and keep them insight. Success means different things to everybody so it’s important to remember the reasons for your career transition.
8. Get qualified
Knowledge gaps between you and your goal career are not the end of the world. With so many returns to work courses and professional development training options available it is easy to gain the qualifications you need for the transition. For example, getting into accounting might start with a short course that you can build on as you move up in your new career.
9. Develop the right skills
Put the knowledge gained in your professional development training to the test. Experience often separates candidates, so look for volunteer or freelance opportunities to hone your skills while you search for a more permanent role.
10. Trust your gut with opportunities
When you are ready to make the leap to a new career it will mean interviews, office tours and job descriptions. After all your preparation and training, going with your gut means making a well-informed decision and (hopefully) landing a job where you will be happy for years.
WiseClick Training (Registered Training Organisation No: 52602) have been helping ambitious people make exciting career transitions since 1998. If you are considering a career change, we can help with nationally accredited professional development training and return to work courses.
Our courses can be tailored to suit your needs with one-day short courses or the twelve-month Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping course. You can choose to attend with the option of either face to face classroom or flexible at home online study. Our accredited, professional, friendly trainers will support you throughout your training.
We have successfully assisted our Certificate students who have taken the leap into a new career by offering and assisting with Job Placement at the completion of their course Please read what our previous students have to say about us here.
