Ever thought about transitioning into a totally new career field but didn’t have a clue as to how to break into your field of interest?  Well, the following suggestions were inspired by the book, The Pathfinder, by Nicholas Lore. 

“Be” what you want to transition towards
Consider yourself already in the field that you want to transition towards rather then as an outsider trying to get in.  Read what professionals employed in your area of interest read, attend conferences and seminars that they attend, and develop relationships with those who work in the profession.  Make sure that your resume, and cover letter, highlight functional skills you possess that are transferable to the work you want to do.  You can also highlight special knowledge you have or are gaining.  If you do not have related knowledge/experience, you can explore opportunities for job shadowing, volunteer work, project/contract work, self employment, an internship (can be non-academic), and paid employment.

Create a network of supporters in the field
Job prospects increase in proportion to the number of contacts who know of or can help lead you to future job opportunities.  Career transitioners tend to focus more on the quantity of contacts without paying much attention to the quality of those contacts yet it’s also important to build ‘authentic’ relationships.

Not yet committed?
What if you have a strong interest in a certain career field but are not yet ready to commit to it?  Ask yourself what it is about the field that attracts you.  Where would you like to be and what is holding you back from getting there.  Focus your energies on removing the obstacles that hinder you.  Can you commit to at least exploring this interest area further?  What actions are you willing to take?

I hope these tips have inspired you.  Use them to help you create an action plan for exploring and breaking into that new career field.

Until next time…
Sue Posluszny
http://www.careeroptions4me.com
For more information about me and my qualifications, please click here .