Let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we? Making a career change can be terrifying because it involves risks. And the risk is not something we like to associate with our careers. After all, there are bills that need to be paid. Plus, women are often told as young girls to limit risk-taking, to be safe, and not get messy. 

Here’s the thing - without risk, there is no growth. Without risk, there is no change. Without risk, there is no chance of achieving something greater. 

To help you feel a little more comfortable taking the risk, here are five tips to help make your career change a success!

1. Understand why you want to change careers. 

It’s not beneficial to switch careers only to find yourself starting over, but still unhappy. To save yourself time and frustration, examine your reasoning for wanting a change. Is it due to lack of professional growth, toxic work environment, loss of challenge, financial factors, or something else? 

Consider what is important in your life and your career. Be specific in your breakdown. For instance, instead of “I want to travel less”, think “I want to reduce travel and increase my schedule’s flexibility.” Also, don’t forget to write it down. That way, you can refer back to it when researching a new role. 

As you understand your reason for leaving, you’ll steer clear of careers with potentially the same downside and your clarity will help you step into a new career that aligns with your goals and values. 

Pro-tip: when you interview for your new position, the hiring manager is sure to inquire about the reason for your career change. You’ll be prepped and ready with an authentic response!

2. Networking is essential. 

It’s not what you know or even who you know, but who knows you! So how do you get people to notice you professionally? Networking! 

Networking increases your connections with people within and outside your industry. So if you are looking to make a career change, connecting with someone in your targeted industry gives you an in. They can share what the job really entails as well as the steps they took to get into their field and current position. 

Plus, as you build relationships and more people know your skills, experience, and goals for a new career, you are more likely to be personally notified of new job openings. 

If you’re looking to build your network, check out LinkedIn, alumni associations, company and industry events, and even volunteer events.

3. Always choose quality over quantity. 

Spend your time tailoring your resume and making the right connections as opposed to haphazardly applying to 174 jobs each day. Don’t be lured by that Easy Apply button on LinkedIn! Instead, focus on jobs that align with your skills and experience, whether acquired or in-process, as well as your goals and values. While it may seem you are limiting yourself, you are actually aligning yourself. Aligning yourself with a career you are excited about pursuing.

Plus, tailoring your resume increases your credibility with the hiring team and allows them to see the benefit of bringing you onboard. More credible resumes lead to quality interviews. And quality interviews lead to rewarding careers. 

4. The biggest roadblock to changing careers is often your mindset. 

If you believe it’s impossible, it will be impossible. Carol Dweck, a Stanford University Professor of Psychology, coined the terms “Fixed Mindset” and “Growth Mindset.” While someone with a fixed mindset views attributes such as confidence and success as traits someone either has or doesn’t, someone with a growth mindset believes confidence and success can be learned and acquired over time. 

So depending on how you approach your career, you can either believe “I’m never going to have the skills needed to do that job. I’m not wired that way.” Or, you can believe “I don’t have the skills to do that yet but I will do what it takes to learn them.” Either way, you’re right. 

5. Changing careers takes time. 

Don’t let that one person telling you that you should be able to land a new job in 3 days rush you, or even worse, convince you that you’re not good enough. Patience and perseverance are key! What we don’t want to happen is for you to fall into the settling cycle out of fear of the unknown. 

According to the U.S. Labor of Statistics, the average person in 2022 will spend 3 to 6 months in the job search process. While that may seem daunting, instead of thinking “How can I do this quickly?”, think “How can I do this well?” Yes, finding your why, tailoring your resume, networking, and working on your mindset takes time. However, it all adds up to a win. 

So sis, please don’t compromise or rush the process.

Next Steps

Looking for a community of women who can help motivate you and unlock your potential? Join The Winners Circle, an exclusive networking and learning community for women who want to unlock their potential and own their greatness within the workplace.