1. Reflect on Your Experience
If you are switching careers after 50, create a list of what you have enjoyed the most in your work history. Write down the skills, knowledge and abilities you have that can work in new career paths. List a few career areas you are interested in learning more about or have always wanted to try. You can use a career assessment tool to find careers you are already prepared to pursue. Even though you are changing careers, you will likely have transferable skills.
2. Discover a New Career
Career choice includes the job you do and the industry in which you do it. Sales for a feedlot and sales for a consulting firm can be very different. Create a list of industries and job titles you are interested in pursuing. Research the job titles you are interested in to determine the skills needed. Participate in local industry group meetings or events to network with people who can help your new career.
3. Get Certified
If you are making a major switch in careers, you will need to get certified or obtain a degree to help you in your new field. Take advantage of industry certifications that can take only weeks or months to complete. Many schools offering certifications provide help finding jobs after the courses are complete. Within a year, you can go from working as a nurse in a hospital to designing Web sites from home.
4. Hire a Career Coach
You can use the services of a career coach to help you walk through the process of rediscovering what you want to do with the rest of your life. The career coach will help you find hidden talents and abilities you can apply to a new field and help you understand how to transfer skills from one industry to another. You will learn how to prepare for your career switch and what you will need to do to be successful. A career coach can also help you find opportunities in your new field.
Member Comments