How to Make a Career Change

Making a career change is no easy feat! It requires a lot of hard work, strategy, time and hearing “thanks, but no thanks” often. I was able to make a career change into a field I love and I’m going to share how I did it!

Have you found yourself in a career path you never thought you’d be in? Or a career path you thought you’d love but is no longer fulfilling? If so, it’s probably time for a career change. A career change can be difficult to execute but it’s absolutely possible! Six years ago I began my career in logistics, a field I never intended to be in. After years of (unsuccessfully) trying to transition into my desired field at previous companies, I decided it was time to branch out. I wanted to be fulfilled in my career and I had to start being intentional about the change I wanted. Here’s what I did to make it happen.

Do freelance work

If you want to move into a field you’re interested in but don’t have the work experience to back it, freelance work will help. Sign up for platforms like Upwork to promote yourself and get some experience under your belt. You can also leverage your network to get freelance work if you know someone in the field you want to be in. My mentor was a huge help in this area! She was an editor and would send me freelance opportunities from her job. Freelance work may seem like it’s not doing much but it will help you gain experience in your desired field. This gets you one step closer to that career change!

Educate yourself

When my back was against the wall and there was no way for me to make a career change, education was my way out. I knew I didn’t want to go back for another degree but I sought out certificate programs from different universities. My thought was I could learn more about my desired field, gain hands on experience and make sure this was really what I want to do. I chose to go through a university to help my certificate carry more weight but that’s not the only way to do it. There are a ton of inexpensive and free programs you can do to learn more and help beef up your resume.

Leverage your side hustle or hobby

This platform right here, Corporate in Color, proved to be my secret weapon to make a career change. Everything I wanted to do professional is right here! I write blogs, create email marketing campaigns, write social media copy and the list goes on. I used to be afraid to share the blog with potential employers for fear they wouldn’t take it seriously. However, I quickly learned to be proud of this work here and leverage the six years of experience as a blogger. If you have a side hustle or hobby that coincides with the work you want to do, add it to your resume! You’d be surprised at how far that non-traditional experience can take you.

Revamp your resume

This was a big game changer for me. I was using my default resume for years, hoping companies would overlook all the unrelated work experience. I’ve always done a chronological resume – with my most recent work experience at the top. My mentor reviewed my resume with me and recommended I create an experience-based resume. This means instead of putting your most recent job at the top, you put your most relevant work experience front and center. This is something I never considered, but it made so much sense. She helped me craft a resume that showcases all of the experience I have and highlights what’s most relevant to the opportunities I was seeking.

That freelance work you did? Put it at the top! That side hustle that directly relates to the job you want? At the top! It’s a little unconventional but it truly yields results. I started getting a lot more companies call me for phone interviews once I gave my resume an overhaul. My most relevant experience would draw their attention and I’d get the opportunity to expand more on my career goals on the phone.

Write a cover letter

I know, I know! I hate cover letters too. They feel very redundant and like a waste of time. When you’re looking to make a career change though, that cover letter can be your best friend. A cover letter allows you to “talk through” your passion for this new career field and tell your story. You can give a little background about how you got to where you are and why you’re looking for a change. This is also a good place to add a little blurb about any educational programs you’re enrolled in and haven’t finished yet. A strong cover letter paired with a top-notch resume will make you unstoppable!

Tap into a career coach

You all have heard me mention my mentor a few times already. She served as a career coach for me through the process. Our conversations helped me define not only what I was looking for in a career, but what my course of action would be. A career coach can help define goals, build strategy and provide feedback throughout the career change process. Changing industries is the most difficult career change to make so it’s worth it to go the extra mile and work with someone who can give you guidance.

Believe in yourself

The road to changing careers will be long and difficult. Searching through job postings and applying is exhausting. Leads will slow down at some point and you’ll want to give up. Don’t! Let your passion fuel you to keep pushing, no matter what. Believe that the work you’ve put in will get you to where you want to be. Even if it doesn’t happen right away, keep faith that it will happen. I’m living proof that a career change is possible!

If you’re looking to make a career change, I hope you find these tips helpful. There’s plenty more you can do to make a career change but these are actionable steps you can start taking today! Have you made a career change? Share your tips for making the shift in the comments!