Your Career Change – 8 Steps to the Make the Shift at Any Age

Evolving is in our very nature. Whether you’re in a job that makes you dread Mondays or are simply ready for a second career, a switch to bring what you do in line with what you love, a career change may be calling you. This can be thrilling or daunting depending on how you approach it all.

No matter your age, experience or education, there is no time like the present to start envisioning and working toward the life you imagine. And if you need help navigating the steps to get you ready for launch, we’ve got you covered.

8 Steps to Mastering a Career Change with Ease

1. Review and Explore Anew

First step is to reflect on where you are, what you love and appreciate, what you do not and what steps you’re willing to take to initiate a positive shift. Here are some questions to help you leap in:

• What do I appreciate about the job I’m in?
• What is it about my job I don’t like?
• What can I see myself doing that would make me excited to go to work every day?
• What is my ideal work environment like, is it a small office or big, is it in an office at all? How big is my team; what are the people like? Am I working with customers or behind the scenes?
• What steps am I willing to take to initiate that career change?

2. Reconnect with You

We can become complacent in the job we’re in; we can lose enthusiasm and steam, and this affects our lives on the whole. Perhaps you took your current job because you were just starting out and wanted to make money and now you want more. Maybe you’re launching life in a new country, and you need to align your skills and education with Canadian standards. Or the job you had was good experience, but it doesn’t really reflect who you are now and what you really desire in a career. So … it’s time to dream again and take inventory of what you value and what you offer.

• Make a list of what you value in a career?
• What are your interests?
• What are your current skills?

Reflect on positions whether work or volunteer, that made you feel alive, confident, successful.

3. Research Your Industry Options

The next step is to explore what industries may be a good match for the vision and values you hold and the knowledge and skills you either have, would like to expand upon, or gain anew.

• Scour LinkedIn, talk to friends, research on the Internet, for industries that pique your interest, and imagine yourself working within them. Can you see yourself in healthcare, business, supply chain management, IT, medical laboratory sciences, law or policing? If it sparks an interest, it makes the list.

4. Review Career Options

Now that you have some ideas of the industries you’d like to work within, it’s time to consider the career options within that field.

• Search and explore the various job options and positions within your top three industries and see where that leads.

5. Find Career Postings that Match

This is the deeper dive in.

• Research job postings on LinkedIn, Indeed, Job Bank, Workopolis, to see what is available.
• Get an idea of what education, skills and experience they’re looking for in candidates.
• Reach out to professionals in the field and set up informational interviews.

6. Inventory Your Education/Skills

So, now you know the industries and careers that interest you and what the job market is looking for. It is time to see the skill gaps between where you are and where you want to be and consider how to fill them.

• Make a list of the jobs you’ve got your eye on and the skills/experience/education that they’re looking for in those positions.
• Make a list of the skills/experience/education you have and that which you need, to achieve that new position.

7. Fill the Gaps

You know what you have; you know what you need. The next step is to review your options for filling the gaps in education and skills and experience so that you’re a viable candidate for the positions you want.

• Research education options from Toronto college, career colleges in Ontario, and college courses in Toronto to a second careers program that matches what you’re looking for. Survey what’s out there. Review website details. Meet with admissions advisors.
• Consider:
• The experience/skills/training you need to be eligible for the positions you’re scouting.
• Selecting educational programs that are taught by industry experts, for gaining insights before you graduate.
• Small class sizes, so that you get the individual attention you need to learn quickly.
• Programs that have hands-on training, so you have experience before you graduate.
• Programs with a practicum so that you can build industry relationships and perhaps even a job from your internship experience.

8. Create an Action Plan and Timeline

At this stage you have a solid understanding of who you are, what you want and where you may want to attend to gain further knowledge and training. Now is the time to create a solid plan for achieving that next level of experience.

• Define your goal and the milestones to achieve it.
• Finalize your research and make informed decisions.
• Develop a timeline that will keep you on track.
• Monitor your progress consistently to stay motivated.

9. Reach Out for Assistance

When it comes to selecting a program that is the best fit for you, you can feel overwhelmed by the options and how to begin. At Anderson College, we have a track record for supporting second career students and a whole team ready to assist you as you make selections and launch into your studies. You are not alone. Here are some additional ideas and resources for you.

• If you’re not sure where to start, you can Take the “Anderson College Career Training Readiness Quiz”.
• If you’re looking for program options, we have 30+ leading-edge programs across 11 industries to choose from – just have fun exploring and reading the testimonials of those who were once right where you are now, and who are now thriving in their new careers.

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Career change can be challenging but it doesn’t have to be. If you begin today, the you of next year – the one that’s thriving in a program or has launched a fabulous career – will thank you wholeheartedly. And as you know, having a rewarding career is about so much more than a job; it sets the tone for your life, gives you purpose and attracts to you the people and situations that sustain you.

In that case, why wait?

If you’re looking to attend college in Toronto, or for locations across Ontario, our team is right here waiting to help you explore and launch into your next career adventure. Book an appointment with one of our admissions advisors and let’s get you started.

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Anderson College – Programs for You
• Anderson College – Second Career Financial Aid Options
• Midlife Career Change? Your Guide to Success at Any Age
• Top 10 Benefits of a Career College Education
• Top Recession-Proof Jobs and How to Launch Your Career
• Healthcare Careers You Can Launch in 2 Years or Less