While your future career might seem to stretch out in a single line, career plans can change over time. The company you thought you would stay at for many years may suddenly start to decline. Whether you are just starting your career or are considering switching industries, there are several ways to prepare.
Education
It’s important to have the right education if you are thinking about switching careers and do not have experience in a specific position. Do some research and look at job postings to determine what type of degree you might need. College can be expensive, but you can use a free scholarship search and application platform to find and get matched to thousands of scholarships and grants. You can build your profile, get matched, and apply for college scholarships to help with tuition.
Becoming Informed in Growth Trends
Understanding the potential growth trends in your desired industry allows you to start mapping out a plan. Learn about career levels and how you can move up to the next level. Websites will help you understand how much you can expect to earn so you can determine if you are being paid fairly. You can use this information when negotiating a salary. Understanding how the industry is growing will help you choose the right type of career. This information is also going to be tied to things like retirement planning, your level of job satisfaction, and ability to achieve work life balance, so it is important to do your due diligence.
Learning About Potential Employers
You already know there are things to research before a job interview, but you might not know that your research should actually start before you even apply. It’s a good idea to spend some time learning about the biggest leaders in the industry. Learn about who is currently hiring and where you might fit in well. Consider how well the company culture will fit in with your personal and professional needs. Think about where you can get the flexibility and benefits you are looking for. Start looking at positions before you are ready to apply for something. That way, you can figure out what the requirements are so you can start working toward them. Follow these companies on social media to get to know them better.
Talking to Others in the Industry
It’s a good idea to stay informed by talking to others in the industry you want to break into. You don’t have to attend a traditional networking event either. Instead, you might want to join an industry group and meet either in person or virtually. There are websites that can help you find groups to meet up in. Many professional groups allow you to meet either monthly or weekly, where you might listen to a speaker or have a group discussion. These opportunities allow you to build connections that could help you enter a new career.
It’s also possible to schedule an interview with a professional who works in your desired area. Think of it as more of a meeting than an interview, as you will have the chance to talk about what they do for a living. You can ask questions about their experience and determine if it’s something you might want to try for yourself. You can ask what they are currently doing or how they got started with their position. And you can also find out their favorite and least favorite aspects of their jobs.