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A Guide to Starting a New Career

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While changing your career path can be exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking at the same time. Therefore, having a system and vision for beginning a new career can help you make it efficient and easier. If you take some time to discover what you really want to do in life, it can help you expand your career possibilities moving forward. Here’s a guide to starting a new career.

Know Your Strengths

Start making a list of the things that you do best and that you enjoy. Usually, they’re the same. Avoid thinking about jobs at this moment. Just think about the interests and talents that you have. For instance, if your friends think you’re good at identifying insects, put it on the list. Now make a list of skills that make you good at identifying insects – like attention to detail and good memory.

List Your Experience and Training

Make a list of all the trainings you’ve attended in your life and all the experiences of working for them. Everything counts – unusual classes, work training, school trainings, volunteering, online work, etc.

A person researching new careers

Think Jobs

Now, look at jobs. What kind of jobs do you feel require the talents you have? Search the web. Look for phrases like ‘job skills required for xyz,’ or ‘skills assessment for xyz.’

List Possible Careers

You can start to narrow down the careers that you can try your luck in. Make sure that the list doesn’t contain more than three careers. You can keep making changes to the list until you feel that you’re confident with the choices. Perform a swot analysis of the career options and narrow it down to one career that you’ll focus on.

Learn All About the Career

Dive deep into the career and learn all about it:

  • Search the web
  • Visit online and in-person libraries to look for literature on the career
  • Check LinkedIn about job possibilities in the career market.
  • Talk to people who are working in the career field. Please note that you won’t be asking for a job; you’ll just talk to them about their experience.

Don’t Leave Your Old Job

Unless you have a new job offer, don’t leave your old job. You have more chances of getting hired if you’re already employed. Please note that you’ll get a lower-level job in the new career, so don’t feel disheartened. Take it in your stride!

Need More Training?

Research the kind of training you’ll need to succeed in your job. Look for vocational colleges and schools in your locality. Ask the institutions about online or weekend class options.

If you don’t have any training opportunities in your area, you can contact the HR department of the places you’re willing to apply. Treat this meeting as a job interview. Prepare questions and dress appropriately.

Looking to Boost Your CV?

Oxford Learning College is your answer. We offer several specialised accredited diplomas and qualification courses that can help you add to your skillset and knowledge about a particular subject, and we can help you succeed. Whether a student wants an initial degree or professional training, Oxford Learning College is here to help. Contact us here to learn more about their course offerings