New Year, New You, New Career

For many people, making a career change is their primary goal for the new year. In fact, it often ranks at the top of the list, close to losing weight, of the resolutions people most often make. Yet few people carry through with this type of life-changing ambition. If you want to achieve your dream of starting a new career in 2019, these tips can help.

Identify What You Will Need to Do

The first step in making a change is identifying what career you want to pursue and evaluating the skills you'll need. If your dream career is unrelated to your current profession, this may require going back to school or taking a short training course. You should search online for career qualifications and determine what you'll need to do to meet those requirements. In some cases, you may have to commit to a two or four-year education, but getting registered at an area college is still a step in the right direction.

Seek Out a Mentor

Whether you're interested in a human resources career path or a more technical vocation, finding a mentor is a great way to get professional insight. Human resources, for example, is a big field, and finding someone with experience navigating that field will give you a leg up. You'll learn what to expect in the career, as opposed to relying on your impressions of the career, which may be a little idealistic. You'll also receive more practical guidance as you pursue your career. Over time, you may develop a strong relationship with your mentor that will last years into your new career.

Get the Experience

It's a running joke that you can't get the job without experience and you can't get experience without the job. Strictly speaking, there is truth to that, but there are other ways of getting experience. Examine the career you want and try to isolate the individual skills you'll need to possess. Additionally, hone general skills, such as communication skills, that will give you an advantage. Find opportunities in your current position that will help you exercise those skills. When you're ready to begin searching for a job in your new career field, you can add those skills and experiences to your resume.

Start Networking

It's never too soon to start networking with other professionals in your chosen career field. Networking online via social media sites is a great way to get started, especially if you have an introverted personality. As you get to know others who share your professional interests, you'll learn more about industry-related public events. Attending conferences, conventions, and workshops will help you meet more professionals. The more people with whom you network, the better your chances for breaking into the field.

Look for Job Shadowing Opportunities

For people interested in law enforcement, this is commonly known as a ride-along, but, whatever the term, it's an opportunity to see what the career you want is really like. You'll partner with an established professional in the field and observe them as they go about their daily routine. It's a chance to see what will be involved in your day on the job.

Get Ready for the Interview

Eventually, you'll be ready to start your job hunt, but it will be necessary to prepare for your interviews. Since you're changing careers, prospective employers will confront you with questions about why you wanted to change careers. Instead of focusing on the negative, put a more positive spin on your answers. Explain your interest in your new career and why you feel so passionately about this type of work. This can also be an opportunity to show what you've done to prepare for this career change.

Changing careers isn't easy, and it can be especially challenging for those who are making a change after years in their previous profession. It may mean going back to school with younger students and being able to articulate your reasons for abandoning your previous career. If you're dedicated and willing to work for it, there's no reason you can't start a new career path today.