Are you seeking a career change after becoming a parent? If so, you're not alone. Many mothers have amazing career plans that they have had to put on hold because of the demands of raising their children. You might have missed the opportunity to follow your passion and are looking for ways to make it happen. It doesn't matter why, it is time to look at your options and consider what you are willing to do in order to reach your goals.
Exploratory Change
Exploratory change in career is the act of exploring potential career options. Many students are unsure about what major they want to pursue. There are many reasons this could be. Some students may have too many choices or be afraid of making the wrong one. In either case, it can help to work with a career advisor or explore different options. Also, it is a good idea to complete a Focus2 assessment. These assessments can be found in the Career Design Center.
The Exploratory Areas are designed to help students explore their interests, and consider career options. These areas contain a variety academic majors, which can lead you to a wide range of career paths.
Exploring new industries
Exploring new industries is an excellent way to expand your horizons. You can find out more about the different types of jobs in a new industry by attending conferences, workshops, and classes. To broaden your knowledge, it is worth reading new books. You should look for opportunities to volunteer or do contract work in the fields you are interested. These experiences will help you to grow your skills as well as your portfolio.
Conventional wisdom suggests that you should stay within a particular industry. However, a career shift can increase your potential for growth and improve your chances of success. It will force you to learn about a different industry, client base, trends, and ways of working. You will also be able take your experience and knowledge from one industry and apply it to a different field.
Explore new career opportunities
When you're preparing to explore new career options, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Are your current duties in the "like" or the "dislikes" column? If they fall in "dislike", you might consider switching careers. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or their assistance with job searches.
Although exploration can take a lot of time, it is worth your time to focus on the most important options. For example, you may want to reserve key courses and field experiences for more serious consideration. This will help you become clearer on what you're interested in and help you narrow the choices.
Develop transferable skills
You should think about how your transferable skills can be used to change careers. To find out what skills are required, you can either look at job descriptions or talk to industry professionals about what they look for. These skills and abilities are valuable to employers and can make your transition much easier.
Some people are concerned that they don’t have enough experience for the job they desire or don’t have the skills. This doesn't necessarily mean that you won't need to acquire new skills or knowledge in order to find a job. However, it can help to stand out and prove that you are valuable to an employer.
Profiting from your network
You can gain an edge over your peers when switching careers by building your network. Networking is a great way to gain exposure and get into new fields, whether you are an ex-employee, volunteer, or just interested. You can also learn the most recent industry trends through networking.
Networking can give you the information you need and help you make the right career moves. It can also help you create an action plan. For example, how to market yourself in different industries. It can help you find reliable contractors and service providers. This is a great way of building professional relationships.