Around 45% of workers planning to switch jobs this year will do a career change because they are aiming for higher income, and according to a recent study, the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their lifetime.
Some people search for greater fulfillment, a need to adapt to evolving industries, or others do it in desire for new challenges, many of us will face the crossroads of a career transition at some point.
But what is a career transition exactly, and why should you think about making one?
Wolfe Strategic Partners has been in your spot, not knowing whether you should switch or not, and that’s why we will introduce you to this theme and give you some tips on how to do a successful career transition.
What is a Career Transition?
A career transition refers to the process of shifting from one job or profession to another. This could involve a change within the same company, such as moving to a different department or role, or it could mean pursuing an entirely new career path in a different field or industry.
For example, you could’ve been working in a tech industry and now you would like to switch to a REIT career.
Career transitions can range from small adjustments, like moving from one department to another, to large-scale changes, such as switching professions or even adopting a new lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at different types of career transitions:
1. Transition Within the Organization
In a transition within the organization, an employee moves between departments, such as shifting from production to customer service. This kind of move can benefit both the employee and the organization.
The employee gains a new skill set and a potentially more comfortable work environment, while the company benefits from an employee who understands the product from a hands-on perspective.
2. New Role, Same Organization
Unlike the transition within the organization where employees typically advance upward, this move involves a complete shift in job function, even if it’s within the same organization.
For example, someone might transition from accounting to IT management, roles that, while different, both involve a significant amount of technical expertise.
3. Complete Career Change (Different Profession)
Sometimes, a career transition means pursuing an entirely new profession, possibly in a different industry. Some organizations, particularly large and diversified companies like Amazon, offer internal mobility where employees can explore new careers through talent marketplaces.
However, not all organizations can accommodate such transitions. In those cases, companies need to support the employee’s exit by providing references and job search assistance, potentially building a lasting, positive relationship with the individual as a loyal alumnus.
What is the Motivation for a Career Transition?
Before making any career change, you first need to have a good reason for wanting to leave your current role. Is it the company culture, difficult colleagues, or something deeper that’s making you feel stuck?
For some, the realization is more complex. You may still love your job but feel the desire to build something new or explore a different sector. Whatever the case, you need to be radically honest with yourself about what’s driving you.
The Main Drivers for a Career Change
There are three common reasons many professionals cite when considering a career switch:
- Better Pay: Financial improvement is a leading motivator for many. While not always directly within an individual’s control, building new skills or aiming for internal promotions can increase earning potential. Organizations should also focus on developing talent from within, as internal recruitment only makes up a small portion of hires.
- Stress: Workplace stress is another major factor. To manage this, evaluate whether stress is a consistent issue or situational. Sometimes, stress-management programs or process interventions can help alleviate the pressure.
- Work-Life Balance: The desire for more work-life balance is a recurring theme, especially in the era of remote work. Employees often waste time on non-work-related tasks, so improving self-management and productivity skills could help them find more balance.
Think of Your Future
When planning your next career move, picture what you want your future life to look like. Where do you want to live? How do you want to spend your time? Who do you want to spend it with?
Your career decisions should bring you closer to the life you want to build. Thinking through your motivations and trying out potential future paths before making any permanent decisions can make that transition much smoother.
How to Successfully Make a Career Transition?
We know that making a career change is hard, but here are a few tips that will help you make this transition:
1. Reflect on Your Current Role
Evaluate your current job satisfaction. Keep a journal to document how you feel about your daily tasks, work environment, and professional growth opportunities. This helps you understand what you truly enjoy and what you want to avoid in your next role.
2. Explore Your Interests and Skills
Take time to review where you’ve excelled. Use free online tools or personal assessments to get a clearer sense of your strengths, interests, and core values. This will guide your career path and help you tailor your job search to roles that resonate with you.
3. Consider New Career Fields
Make a list of potential jobs that intrigue you. Talk to friends, family, or colleagues for an outsider’s perspective on how they see you in different roles. Consulting recruiters or career coaches can also offer valuable insights and expand your options.
4. Research Career Opportunities
Use job search websites to explore what’s available and make a broad list of roles that interest you. If you’re having trouble finding a match, tap into your professional network or seek career counseling to learn more about how your skills can apply to different sectors.
5. Create an Action Plan
Once you’ve identified a potential career path, break down the steps required to get there. Be realistic about the timeline – big career changes rarely happen overnight.
6. Rebrand Yourself for Your New Career
When transitioning careers, it’s important to adjust how you present yourself. Update your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to reflect your new goals.
Highlight transferable skills from your previous roles that are relevant to the new field, and use industry-specific language to position yourself as a strong candidate.
7. Network and Hold Informational Interviews
Informational interviews can provide you with invaluable insights. Reach out to professionals in the fields you’re interested in, especially those with whom you share a common connection, like alumni or previous coworkers. These conversations can offer guidance and help spark new ideas about your career transition.
8. Gain Experience Through Freelancing or Volunteering
If you’re lacking direct experience in your new field, consider freelancing or volunteering. This can provide relevant experience, build your portfolio, and demonstrate your commitment to prospective employers. You might also discover new skills or passions in the process.
9. Continue Learning
Sometimes, career transitions require formal education or certifications. Explore evening classes, online courses, or workshops to enhance your qualifications. Continuous learning not only helps you grow but also demonstrates your dedication to the new career.
10. Prepare for Rejections – and Persevere
Career transitions can be challenging, and it’s likely you’ll face rejections. For instance, moving from technology sales to finance may lead recruiters to push you toward similar roles.
Expect hurdles, but remember – you only need one opportunity to break through. Stay persistent, and continue refining your strategy.
11. Take Micro-Steps Toward Your Goal
Gradual progress often leads to long-term success. Start by taking small, actionable steps.
These “micro-steps” could include networking with industry professionals, taking on small freelance projects, or setting up an MVP (minimum viable product) for a side project.
Each small victory compounds over time, moving you closer to your career transition.
12. Have a Backup Plan
It’s essential to be both ambitious and realistic. If things don’t unfold as planned, make sure you have a backup strategy that allows for gradual progress.
For instance, if you’re transitioning from law to social impact consulting, give yourself a timeline to acquire the necessary skills and connections, and be open to pivoting if needed.
13. Track Your Progress
Changing careers requires resilience and commitment. Document your milestones and successes, even the small ones. Keeping track of your progress will help maintain motivation and give you a sense of accomplishment as you move toward your ultimate goal.
14. Set a Realistic Timeframe
Career transitions often take longer than we expect. Be realistic about your goals and the time it will take to achieve them. Remember, change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Focus on the long game, small, consistent efforts can lead to significant results over time.
Make a Confident Career Transition with Wolfe Strategic Partners
Do you want to change your career path because of higher pay, better satisfaction, or because you want to start working at home?
Wolfe Strategic Partners will guide you through successful career transitions. Our founder Rob, shifted from tech to coaching which was a deliberate act of self-reinvention.
He made the bold decision to lay himself off from a high-paying tech sales role, which opened the door to a new path. Immersing himself in personal development, he consumed hundreds of books, joined multiple masterminds, and invested over $100,000 in coaching from the world’s top experts.You can start your transition with confidence too! Start by filling out our Readiness Assessment, and schedule a meeting with Wolfe Strategic Partners today!
