TIPS TO CHANGING YOUR CAREER

 The following is a “Checklist” used to evaluate, assess and explore new and different occupations.  Please be prepared to do extensive research as part of this process.  These tips are listed in the order that you should explore.  This is an independent research project, done at your leisure, with a goal in mind…to find 3-5 new occupations that you might want to pursue.  This addresses complete career change, rather than just changing your industry during a job search.

 q       Identify your professional and personal strengths (list at least 5 - 10 and prioritize them)

 q       Describe the elements of the ideal job (including working environment, responsibility level, working within a team or independently, etc.

 q       Make a list of your likes and dislikes when it comes to the type of  work you like, the desirable  working environment and the kinds of people you want to be with during work.

 q       List the 3 most important values to you in your life that would affect your work.  i.e. independence/autonomy, lifestyle, family, security, power, leadership, influence, etc.

 q       Consider taking Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment through your local community college to have a better understanding of your personality preferences for work, life and getting along with co-workers and bosses. 

 q       Or utilize the book Do What Your Are by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger to identify your Myers Briggs type and apply as described above.

 q       Using your MBTI, review the various profiles for your type in the above-mentioned book.  Confirm your strengths, common threads and review the Popular Occupations that other MBTI types like you excel in.   Are these areas you would or have considered?

 q       Identify the areas of interest: Government (Federal, State, City), Corporate or Private Industry, Non-profit areas, Other.  Many books can be found on these subjects (ask for books on Working in Non-Profit Organizations or Positions working for the Government, etc.) in your local bookstore.

 q       Further identify specific industries such as: Telecommunications, Financial Services, Technology, Retail, Manufacturing, Banking, Insurance, etc.

 q       Review the website http://stats.bls.gov   This is an extensive site by Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Review this site carefully.  Choose the Publications area where you will find the Occupational Outlook Handbook that provides you with up-to-date information on trends, leading and declining positions, expected salaries and more. 

 q       Visit your favorite university site or www.jobweb.org.  Search for information regarding “Careers with a Major In”  (see link at www.careeradvice.com).  These sites can offer you information on all kinds of positions based on your college major.  You’ll be surprised at some of the suggested occupations when your major is unrelated.  You’ll need to dig a little bit in this area.

 q       Review the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and The Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes reference manuals, currently found in your local library (soon to be completely online).

 q       Identify 5 - 10 occupations that interest you once you’ve identified areas of interest from your Independent Research Project.

 q       Well you should be on information overload by now.  And, rightly so!

 q       To continue, move to “Tips on Informational Interviews” found at www.careeradvice.com and click on “career advice” button.  This suggested next step takes you to part 2 of your process… to narrow down those 5-10 occupations to 1or 2.  Do yourself a favor and proceed, as this will determine whether these selected occupations are really for you.  Good Luck!

 Complements of Rosemary Augustine ~ Author and Career Coach

Founder and Sponsor of www.careeradvice.com