How to check out new careers that have grabbed your interest – and whether they’re right for you
Generating completely new ideas can be a challenge in itself for would-be career changers. But once you have a couple of options, giving them enough space, time and imagination is absolutely central to a successful shift in career direction. Too many of us dismiss possibilities as ‘unrealistic’ or ‘out of the question’ before exploring them properly. Don’t fall into that trap of killing your dreams before they even have a chance.
Instead, when you have an idea that won’t let you go, that makes your heart beat a little faster and draws you down endlessly fascinating online rabbit holes, you’re probably onto something important.
So how can you do a proper job of exploring ideas like these? Even during a global pandemic there are many ways you can get beneath the surface glamour of this new career. Here are 10 ways you can check out the reality of your career ideas – and 9 vital questions to ask yourself before jumping ship.
10 practical ways to check out a potential new career
1. Speak to someone already in the role
This is the best and most crucial step you can take to get a realistic and current understanding of the profession. Find someone in your network who is already in this role and ask them some of these questions:
· How did they start out and is this still the best way in?
· What qualifications are (really) needed and is it possible to learn on the job?
· What are the current challenges and opportunities and how has the pandemic changed this?
· What do they actually do every day? Ask them to take you through a typical ‘day in the life of a….’
· What do they love and hate about their job?
· What other kinds of organization have they worked in within this profession?
You may have other questions in mind and no doubt new ideas will emerge through your conversation. For advice on setting up these kinds of informational interviews, including finding the right people, how to make the best approach, how to follow up and what to avoid, get in touch. My ‘Connections to Fuel Your Career Change’ is just £10 and guides you through what can seem a daunting process.
2. Research the career via its professional association
Every profession will have its own governing body that brings together reliable information about the careers of its members, entry routes, training, case studies, conferences, and blog posts exploring current issues.
Clearly, this provides a good starting point and may provide further reading, members you can connect with on (e.g.) LinkedIn, and material based in the real world of work.
A few UK examples:
The Chartered Institute of Marketing
National Council for the Training of Journalists
International Coach Federation
British Association of Art Therapists
Royal Institute of British Architects
3. Find a relevant group on LinkedIn and join it
LinkedIn can be a great source of current information about potential new careers. When you have a profession in mind, look out for dedicated groups on LinkedIn where practising members discuss their current challenges, research and developments. This is perfect for gaining a real understanding of what’s going on right now, of linking with relevant people and getting more answers about the realities of this career path.
To find applicable groups on LinkedIn, use the search box, type in the name of your research profession, select ‘in groups’ and a list will drop down to explore. Another option is to look at the profile of someone who’s working in your target role, scroll down to their interests, then select groups to find groups that they belong to.
i’d be happy to connect on LinkedIn - you can find me here.
4. Dive into advertised vacancies
When you dig into advertised vacancies, you can see what’s really required and expected in terms of qualifications, technical expertise and personal attributes. This can be a good way to get a sense of salary expectations and the type of people they’re seeking, while also giving a feel for current availability and who’s recruiting in this field.
Recruiters often specialize in certain careers and sectors, so worth also getting a sense of which recruiters you could be connecting with in the future, if you decide to go for this as your next career.
5. Use a career information site like Prospects or The National Careers Association
I love Prospects as their information is current, easy to navigate and attractive to read. There is a lot of information compiled by career professionals covering job profiles, advertised roles, and jobs that might suit you.
The information on Prospects is primarily aimed at graduates, so The National Careers Association offers a wider scope, and might be more relevant, depending on what you’re looking for.
Both offer reliable, impartial information about training routes, career development, job details, where vacancies are advertised, related careers and case studies.
6. Get your hands on a professional journal or newsletter
When you read the newsletter from your target profession, you can get a better idea of the news that’s currently absorbing people in this career. You can also get more ideas about areas of the profession that might be particularly interesting, where your own strengths could be applicable, and link with professionals for research interviews. You’ll get a real sense of how this career ‘feels’ and whether it’s still drawing you in.
7. Attend a virtual conference or event, listen in and ask questions
While in-the-room conferences are on hold, virtual conferences and events are still thriving. This is a great opportunity to experience the flavour and pressing challenges professionals are experiencing. It’s also great way to make connections, hear about new fields and get involved.
When I was changing from teaching to careers guidance work, my first job emerged from a chance conversation at a conference. Like-minded people have a habit of generating new possibilities.
8. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target field
Find people in the profession you’re exploring and connect. Send a brief note when you send a connection request and read the content they’re publishing or engaging with. See what they’re discussing and the groups they’re part of, get an idea of what’s on their minds – and later, approach them with a specific question you may have or to request an informational interview.
9. Volunteer
Are there any voluntary opportunities you could get involved with? This is a great way of testing out an organization or career and getting a better understanding of the work involved. It allows you to become an insider – and this works for you as well as offering something valued by them. If you decide to go for this new career, you’ll also have some experience and connections to build from.
10. Consume the thinking and speak the language
Read a book, listen to a podcast or watch some videos by someone in this career and to get a better sense of why this might be a good option for you. Not only will you get a better feel for the work involved, but you’ll also be learning the lingo associated with this profession. This will stand you in good stead when it comes to applications and interviews.
As you explore, have your personal career questions in mind
In all cases ask yourself:
· What’s really involved on a daily basis?
· Why does this appeal to me?
· How is it better than my current work?
· What excites, energises or interests me about this career?
· What are the challenges in this work?
· Who else can I speak with to find answers?
· What will this role allow me to do? And why is this important?
· How does it align with my values?
· Which of my skills and strengths can I bring to this role?
· What will I lose and what will I gain by moving into this career?
As you can see, this is less a sprint than a long distance trek. Career change takes time, effort, imagination and persistence. But the benefits of transferring into a career that fits you to a tee is well worth the often zig-zag journey to get there.
Good luck, and if you need some encouragement, ideas or tactical advice along the way, just get in touch. Two career change heads may just be the answer!