Is this the right time for you to follow your passion or to reinvent yourself and make a career
change? If so, make sure you can put your finger on what you want, so that you can
sell yourself to prospective employers. Carole Redden, director of career services at Brown
Mackie College - Phoenix, offers the following career change tips:
NETWORK WITH A MISSION:
Networking is vital to reinventing yourself or making a career move, but according to Redden,
it should be done strategically and often. "You cannot wait for the job of your dreams to come to
you," said Redden. "There are people who attend networking events and do not maximize the number
of people they talk to, or do not ask the right questions. If you are looking for a job, you must have a
plan." Establish your targets before attending networking events and job fairs, and keep the conversation brief and to the point. Develop a relationship with employer representatives you chat with and remember, it's not just about what you can get from them, but what they can gather from you.
EXAMINE YOUR SKILLS AND RESOURCES:
You don't have to be stuck in a job. Be proactive. Do a personal assessment and
ask yourself: What background, skills and experience can I offer an employer?
"If you've been in a job for 20 years, ask yourself, 'What do I really want to do for a living?'"
said Redden. "Make some changes and some tough decisions. It may not be easy, but it's worth it.
Job seeking takes patience."
UPDATE YOUR CREDENTIALS:
Many jobs require additional education or training. Take classes at a local college or a community
or education center. Some nonprofi t organizations offer free or low cost training. If required,
obtain certification for your chosen field.
- ARA