Career Transition Task List

Assemble your transition toolbox

After you have made the decision to change your career there are a few steps you should consider to set yourself up for success.

Skills

Developing a solid foundation of skills, specifically transferable skills, is essential. Audit your skills so that you have a firm grasp of what you bring to the table and what skills you might need to develop for your ideal career.

Some transferable soft skills are in higher demand than others. These include conflict management, time management, stress management, communication skills, emotional intelligence, storytelling, and change management.

Take a deep assessment of what you have to offer beyond the surface-level, resumé lists. There are many skills or abilities you may not think to consider. Asking yourself these questions may help:

• What are the top skills I have acquired throughout my career?
• What skills do I consider my strengths?
• What skills helped me obtain the greatest results?
• What skills do I find myself teaching others?
• Moving forward, what skills do I prefer not to use?
• What skills do I want to use in my next role?

Learn the industry

You will need to consider what education, courses or certifications required. There are several educational requirements you may need to attain for your new career field. Different continuing education requires different financial and time commitments. Some examples:

• Professional degrees
• Bootcamps can often offer elevated level of knowledge and skill in minimal time
• Courses and certifications

There may be conferences or workshops specific to your industry which you can attend to develop skills and educational experiences. Keep in mind what financial abilities you have and what education is essential to the position.

Other options may be volunteering or doing unpaid work in the field to learn more about the work. You may need to start with the basics and build up after you have the chance to earn an income to support further education.

Networking

Expand your professional network beyond your existing connections. Utilize the network you already have but also try to branch out and find new connections.

Consider reciprocity relationships which will benefit you and your new contact. You may want to see if you can find a mentor in the new career path you are on. You can join professional associations or networks for your specific industry. Share your insights and successes with others—they will want to do the same and you all benefit.

Always remember you are not alone. Countless others have gone through similar experiences so if you need wisdom or support, think about reaching out.

Depending on the industry, consider help from professionals in networking support such as a recruiter. You may not have to do all the heavy lifting to meet the right people, a recruiter can assist you in finding a good fit. Career counselors may also be an option to assist you in assessing your skills and marketing yourself to the right people.

Health and well-being

Career transitions can be extensive life-changing processes. They are often mentally, emotionally, and physically draining.

Regular introspection can keep you updated with your overall health while keeping your transition on track. This is crucial for involuntary career transitions, as they have less planning and more stress compared to voluntary transitions. Regardless, introspection is one way to ease a career transition.

Consider these reflection questions to start:

• Have I accepted and grieved my old career?
• Am I ready for changes in my routines, relationships, and lifestyle?
• How are my strengths and weaknesses affecting the transition?
• Am I keeping up with my self-care?
• What am I doing to ease the process? Is there anything else I can do?
• Am I letting negativity guide my decisions?