By Courtney Bousquet
Contributor, Career Services
We all know the saying, “one step forward and two steps back,” and typically view it in a negative light, though what if you could turn it into a positive one? For those of you who are looking to change careers, you may need to consider taking a step back to break into your new field.
Often when trying to begin in a new field, job seekers make the assumption that they will be qualified to enter at the same level they currently hold, e.g., manager to manager. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially if the fields are not closely related. Prior to making a career change, it is important to conduct research to determine what transferable skills you bring to the table. When assessing your skills, it is important to not oversell your abilities, as this can lead to no interviews or viable leads. If many of the skills you hold are non-transferrable, you will need to consider how much you are willing to sacrifice in the form of title, compensation, etc… While you are considering changing careers, begin to search for ideal positions to see what skills are needed and work to add them to your resume. This will prepare you to be more competitive upon entering the field.
Going back to school and obtaining a degree in another field is another avenue job changers often take. While this may aid you in your transition into a new field, it is important to remember that degrees provide knowledge and credentials and do not guarantee a higher position. Even with additional education, these higher-level positions still often require additional experience, which if you do not possess, will require you start at the bottom and work your way up. This can lead to taking a pay cut, working non-ideal hours, or working for someone with less life experience. If you aren’t ready to give up some of the perks of being at your current rank then you may wish to reconsider your career move. However, if you’re passionate about your career change, and are okay with taking a step back to achieve your ultimate goals, then proceed forward!
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