3 Steps to Navigating a Career Switch
A step-by-step guide to help you start your switch
Navigating a career switch can be stressful and draining.
It happens to the majority of us, but at different points in our career journeys. For me, the realization happened about halfway through my college career. I finally came to terms with the fact that if I took the traditional route of a computer science major, I would end up even more stressed and burned out than I already was. After going through a year of research and networking, I came across product design and have been working towards that goal ever since.
Fast forward to today, I’ve fielded a lot of questions about my pivot and consequently reflected on my journey quite a bit. So, I decided to document the process that worked for me and share it.
Here are my three tips on how to navigate your career switch:
Step #1: Reflect on your previous job or career path
First and foremost, start your switch by identifying what you did and didn’t like about your previous job/career path. Identifying these aspects will help shine a light on what you truly value in a job or career going forward.
For example, the burnout that resulted from completing projects was not at all rewarding and left me feeling drained. I recognized that I had this craving to pursue something more creative. On the other hand, I absolutely loved the idea of creating something out of nothing. It made me believe in the power of technology. So when I started looking into different paths, being creative in the tech field made sense.
To help you get started, use the following format:
1. Write a list of your day-to-day tasks (Pro tip: Use your calendar from the past two months)
2. Write a list of all the projects you’ve worked on
3. Rank both lists from most enjoyable (10) to least enjoyable (1)
4. Rank both lists from most growth (10) to least growth (1)
5. Take the projects you listed as the most enjoyable (10–7) and least enjoyable (3–1) and break down the tasks associated with it
6. Rank the tasks from most enjoyable to least enjoyable as well as most growth to least growth
7. Observe the tasks that rank high in both measures and try to determine a pattern about your interests
Note: There will be some tasks that are less enjoyable and promote the least growth, but are unavoidable.
Step #2: Figure out what it takes
Instead of Googling “What does a Marketing Associate do?”, look at job listings at companies that interest you and focus on the requirements they have for the role. They almost always have clear-cut asks like experience with certain software, specific skills, or general practices they follow.
Once you have the list, create an actionable plan to acquire the skills required for your desired role. If the position requires proficiency in HTML, sign up for an online course. If the team follows Agile methodologies, start researching how Agile fits into your industry. Breaking the job description down into digestible pieces significantly reduces the stress that comes with a career switch.
Step #3: Break the “experience” cycle
Something that’s important to remember is that your dream job may not be the first job you get. It may take a few tries, climbing up or down the ladder, or even freelancing your skillset. Taking baby steps is just as good, if not a better, way to get to your goal.
A smart way to break the cycle and get your foot in the door is by creating your own experience. Reach out to an organization and offer your skills pro-bono. Get a few friends together and design and implement your own app. Draft a marketing plan or digital content strategy for a startup and connect with them. Keep in mind, even if it isn’t paid experience, it’s experience nonetheless.
