How to Plan a Career Change
Do not treat career change as one giant decision. Break it into stages.
Stage 1 — Understand Your Current Position
Identify: current skills; experience; natural gifts; values; interests; financial situation; constraints.
Stage 2 — Define the Desired Direction
What career or role are you considering?
Stage 3 — Research It
Investigate: responsibilities; required skills; qualifications; salary expectations; work environment; entry routes; advancement opportunities.
Stage 4 — Identify the Gap
Compare what you have with what the target requires.
Stage 5 — Build the Missing Capability
Choose the most efficient development route.
Stage 6 — Test the Career
Try a project, volunteer opportunity, freelance assignment, conversation or other low-risk experience where possible.
Stage 7 — Build Evidence
Create evidence that demonstrates your capability.
Stage 8 — Create the Transition Plan
Define: timeline; finances; learning; networking; applications; milestones.
Stage 9 — Review
Career change is an iterative process. New information may change your destination.
Change your career with confidence.
Identify your transferable skills and align them with new opportunities by mapping your capabilities and career direction.
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