Thread by @TundeTASH

Looking or thinking to change career path?

Come on in. Let’s discuss ways you can strategically do this.

Find a seat and make yourself comfortable.

Thanks for joining in today. As many know, I started off as a Graphic Designer in Lagos on a N30K/month pay.

Today, I am a Senior BOA in one of Canada’s Big 5.

On another day, I'll give details of what prompted the change, why I changed & how I navigated the path.

Today, I'd be putting you through this 6-Step strategy to help with your career change journey.

Also, if you have questions at any point, you can indicate. I'd find time to answer.

1. WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
(Evaluate Yourself & Your Situation)

It is important to assess yourself in the most honest way before making any decision or allowing your emotions to guide you.

You must understand that making a career change requires commitment & sacrifice.

Things will change, so are you up for it?

Evaluating means asking honest questions like:

-Why am I seeking a change?
-Will I be happier?
-Is the workload at my present job stressing me?
-Do I just need more money?
-Is a new career the answer or another job in the same field?

-Is this new career borne out of passion?
-Am I just bored & looking for something lively?

Once you're done reflecting, your view should be less misty.

Now, make a list of why you want this change. This will help to clarify your viewpoint even more.

2. WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
(Determining Your New Career)

After convincing yourself that you need to break up with your present field, it is important to know and understand what career you are shooting your shot at.

See, some fields like medicine, accounting, or IT will require specific training to be completed before you can work.

So, it is important to note that the new career might be difficult to transition to. Still, convinced you to need to make the move?

Great! Let's go on.

3. WHAT DO YOU HAVE?
(Identifying Skills Needed)

Once your 'career-seeking-map' indicates you have arrived at the 'career-change-decision' point, you now need to identify the skills that are needed to make a career switch.

What you’d find most times is that you already have some of the skills / have something similar – especially the soft skills.

For instance, in terms of hard skills, a Financial Analyst looking to switch to HR Analyst might find their excel skills will come in handy (hard skills)

Now search ‘JD of XYZ job’ to get an overview of skills, competencies & knowledge. Also, see if certain certifications are needed.

This way, you'd know the requirements. You might lack the experience & knowledge. That’s fine.

Compare this with your strengths & weaknesses.

4. WHO DO YOU KNOW?
(Your Network)

After the career requirement audit, you should begin to use your network.

Getting the word out will help you find mentors or SMEs who are ready to guide, explain, and direct you accordingly.

What this network of people who already work in these fields can do is:

- Build/Review your career change resume.
- Have an informal/mock-up interview with you.
- Refer you to entry-level roles within their own network.

Like I always say:

Someone in your:

- Network
- Clique
- Association
- Group
- Cabal
- Club
- Society

...will readily refer you for a job before an outsider does.

Many times, the opportunities you want lies within your circle.

5. SHARPEN YOUR TOOLS
(Resume, Cover Letter & Learn!)

- At this stage, you have a blueprint & have a clear path of where you are headed.

So, have a resume that aligns with the new field. Emphasize your transferable & soft skills because you’d be leveraging on them for now.

- Have a cover letter that tells your story in an honest way. A thread I did on cover letter: tiny.cc/z2qwkz

- Learn, Learn & Learn. Use online platforms to learn various techniques/skills. Put your internet to good use and learn things your network discussed with you.

Once you are confident of your new resume, use online platforms to apply for roles to test the waters.

You know a sour truth? A rejection letter is better than doing nothing. So, never be scared to apply.

It is also strategic to volunteer or take up small pay internship roles.

6. WHAT DO I GIVE?
(Staying Focused & Not Giving Up)

Now, it might sound easy. Truth is? It is not. Having this mindset will get you ready.

Will you give up easily? Will you continue to move when potholes, bumps & hindrances appear?

Because you will be tested, my friend.

However, depending on how you've prepared emotionally, you’d be able to weather the career change storm.

It does come with many emotional roller coasters, but being strategic about it and knowing its requirements will really help you stay focused.

As I said, I’d tell you how my career change went, but for now, take it all in and start somewhere.

Have an action plan. A timeline too.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Tweak as you go along. No one has it 100% figured before starting. Do it afraid.

Thanks again for coming.

You can return your seats, leave the door opened as it's an open-door policy here.

Have a great December, conquer & do exploits. 🙏🏾