Starting a career is an exciting but stressful process that in approaching, can leave you with more questions than answers.
From the initial question of career choice (a difficult decision to make in itself), to determining how you want to make the first steps in integrating yourself into a new industry and job, you will have a lot to figure out. Not to mention, there is the issue of working out how you will make your transition process work while maintaining your lifestyle and an income.
In approaching the start of a new career, you will need to consider the factors determining your career choice, whether or not any training is necessary, and your overall approach to change.
There are a number of things you need to keep in mind when determining your new career path - to the point where the decision can become overwhelming. With this being said, simplifying the decision and focusing on a few factors will ensure that your choice ticks all of the relevant boxes and leaves you feeling excited about your career change.
Firstly, think about your talents and skills - more particularly, think about where these skills overlap with your interests and the things that you enjoy doing. Many people often fail to make the correct choice as they initially enter the workforce due to a lack of experience and the pressure of time - whether you are deciding on your first career choice or retraining in another area, be sure to take time to be sure of what you want to commit to.
Another factor that you shouldn’t overlook is the plausibility of your choice, in terms of the time frames of any career progression you might want to achieve, as well as the prior experience you might need to achieve a particular role and the remuneration you expect to receive. This means being realistic and prepared. Unless you are willing to accept a pay downgrade in order to be involved in a career more suited to your preferences, you will likely want the income you earn to support your current lifestyle.
Once you have narrowed down your new career choices, you should think about whether or not you will need to go through any education or training. Even if your new career doesn’t formally require any qualifications, a comprehensive approach will mean that you are prepared for your new job.
Regardless of your educational background and what is required by your new career, there are a number of approaches to learning almost anything. From a traditional degree, to a short online course, there will likely be an education institution that offers the right qualification for your needs. Monarch is a great example of this, offering recognised business qualifications that include everything from how to become a HR manager, to how to become an accountant.
If you are not required to hold any particular qualifications, even some minor research will help you in preparing for your new career.
A final tip in ensuring that you can successfully approach the start of a new career is that you need to ensure you have the right approach to change. More than anything, this means having the right attitude, being prepared, and remaining motivated.
The process of change may feel tedious and involved, and you may question whether or not you are making the right decision - instead, commit before you make the initial steps in moving into your new career, and stick to that commitment throughout the entire process.
The right approach also means being prepared - whether this means maintaining support for family members throughout the process, or having a good understanding of the career you are moving into. As a general attitude and approach, being prepared and organised in every step of the process will ensure that you remain motivated, and are always on the right path.