At Home with Elizabeth Dole

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Making a Career Change

Making a career change can be the most exciting time in your life. Deciding to follow your passion is a dream come true. Preparing for the career change and actually changing careers can be scary, frustrating, and disappointing if you have not prepared properly.

The scary part is actually making the change. You've worked in your position or industry for a number of years; you know what to expect, how to act, and you are in your comfort zone. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and starting over takes a lot of work, persistence, and determination. But you know that and you are ready to make the change.

Corporate America has let you down, you have been laid off [again?] and now you want to do something in your career you've always wanted to do. You know that with the skills and experience you have developed over the years you have much to offer. However, convincing companies that you are serious in making a change doesn't come as easy as you thought. They are not quite convinced of your commitment and that you are not looking at this change as a temporary stop until the economy picks up again and you can go back to your previous career path. This is the frustrating part.

The disappointment comes in when you finally convince someone to give you the opportunity. You are serious about the career change; you don't mind starting at the ground level again. You are willing to do whatever it takes to make this career change because at this point in your career and life, you want to follow your passion. But, deep down inside, even though you know what the salary range is for a ground level position, you feel they should pay you more. After all, you have the previous experience to back it up. Much to your disappointment, the salary is what it is and your previous skills and experience really does not matter.

Making the career change does not have to be scary, frustrating, and disappointing if you prepare yourself. At this point in your career, you need to prepare more than ever. Prepare to succeed in following your passion by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What is your passion? Are you following a true passion or merely trying to make a change? Is it clear to you the things you like and dislike at work? What are you good at? What comes naturally to you? If you are unsure, there are career assessments, career counselors, and coaches to that can help guide you.

2. Have you done your research? What careers are available in your area of interest? You can find some great career information and a skills-matching service at O*NET Online from the U.S. Department of Labor and basic job information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

3. What are your transferable skills? What are your soft skills that can transcend to any career or industry? Skills such as communications, leadership, priority and goal setting, teamwork, and positive attitude interest most employers more than the actual technical skills (depending on the job). You can teach (most) technical skills on the job, but it's hard to teach someone how to have a positive attitude.

4. Do you need additional training and education? A great way to show your seriousness in making a career change is to take courses to update your skills and broaden your knowledge.

5. Are you realistic in making a career change? Are you willing and can you afford to accept an entry-level salary? Don't walk into the interview or position thinking that once you get 'in' they will see that you are worth the money and give you a raise or increase. Are you willing to volunteer, work part-time, or temp, just to gain the experience?

6. Do you have a mentor? Do you know someone in the area you wish to change who will mentor and coach you? This can be a crash course into reality if you have someone that will take the time to share his or her experience with you. Oh, and, it's a great way to network too!

Don't worry if you are feeling a bit unsure or insecure -- it's a natural part of the career change process. Remember that, in a sense, you are starting your career again from square one. You may be job-hunting for the first time in years too. If so, make sure to brush up on your resume building, networking, and interviewing skills! The best part of all this is that once you have made this change to follow your passion, the excitement you feel on Monday morning going to work will make it all worthwhile.