Next Steps: Finding Confidence In a Career Change

Thinking about changing careers can be both exciting and overwhelming. Maybe you’re moving towards a new passion, seeking a better balance, or quite possibly the choice to make a move wasn’t up to you. Whatever the reason, feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re unprepared. In this edition we’re going to focus on a few steps that can shift thoughts of insecurity to confidence as you prepare for a new journey.

We first need to explore the why. Identify why you are making the change to better pinpoint what will drive your decision-making process. Are you feeling stuck, or needing a new challenge? Is there a misalignment of values? Or is the organization moving in a different direction? Either way, having an understanding can provide clarity and give you more direction as you look forward to thriving in a new role.

Now it’s time to look at transferable skills. These are crucial because they demonstrate your versatility and show your ability to contribute effectively. Here are a few to consider: Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills, Program Development & Execution, Strategic Leadership, Problem Solving, and Technical Proficiency. Match your skills with the new roles you’re interested in and write examples that show how these proficiencies can translate. This reassures that you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on strengths you already have.

There’s no doubt that this process can be overwhelming, we can all acknowledge that any sort of transition can be emotional. Try to reframe any fear as a sign that you care deeply about your next step. Small, intentional steps can assist with minimizing how vast making this type of shift can feel like. Treat each step as a learning experience, not a final decision. I also suggest taking advantage of free certifications or learning courses, these can be found online and added to your resume or vita.

Throughout this change, remember to surround yourself with support and connect with your network. Believe in your capabilities and use the encouragement from your peers to keep you going on the hard days. Trust your passion and resilience, and remember to give yourself grace along the way. 

Reflection questions:

• What’s one skill in my current role that could be useful for my next job?

• What’s one step I can take today to explore my career change with more confidence?

• How am I defining success and how do I see this being fulfilled with a new role?