How to Merge Back Into the Professional World Successfully

Are you a laid-off professional hoping to re-enter the workforce soon? Or, maybe you’re a retiree or stay-at-home mom who wants to transition back to the professional world. Regardless of whether you’re replacing an income or supplementing one, you’ll have strong competition for the best jobs. The challenge is to have what employers need, despite your time away.

“It is not uncommon for people to go in and out of the work force during their careers,” says Dr. Robin Berenson, professor and program director for management at American Public University System, an accredited, online university system that serves more than 50,000 working adults. “The key is to prepare yourself before transitioning back in, so you have the right skills and expertise.”

Berenson suggests these strategies to successfully re-enter the professional world.

Evaluate your career options
First, look at where you were — and where you want to be. Do you miss your previous position? Or, were you glad you made the break?

“Sometimes professionals have a career ‘awakening,’ “ says Berenson. “They may have enjoyed their co-workers, but weren’t fulfilled with the work. Or they may feel even more committed to their chosen profession.”

Either way, now is the time to evaluate your options for your next career stage. Here are some ideas:

• Re-connect with previous colleagues regarding opportunities with specific employers or the industry in general. Let your community connections know you’re on the job hunt.
• Reach out to your online social networks and let them know that you’re seeking a good position.
• Research trends regarding which industries have a bright outlook. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers information about the U.S. labor market through 2016, including the 30 fastest growing occupations and the kinds of education required.
• Watch for news stories regarding job growth and emerging careers. Consider setting up a Google news alert to track such news.
• Join the professional organization of the industry that interests you – to continue learning about the field and to build connections. Many associations have reasonable dues for students.

“And be sure to ask yourself what you really enjoy and whether you can translate that into a career,” says Berenson. “Then, reach out far and wide with your professional and social connections to uncover job opportunities.”

Don’t overlook job opportunities in your chosen field that may be a step below your previous position.

“Sometimes you have to take a step down to get a step up,” she says. “It will give you a chance to prove yourself. Employers will recognize and reward your contributions.”

Evaluate your knowledge base – and where it’s lacking
There is a chance you’ve fallen behind those working in the profession, in terms of skill-sets or technology. Evaluate where and how you can start closing the gap, by trying some of the following:

• Turn to past colleagues – or find those in your new career path – and ask about current projects and the technologies they use on the job.
• Ask a colleague if you can shadow them for a day.
• Arrange a meeting with a member of a professional association to discuss the topics or issues facing their industry.
• Read industry newsletters and blogs.
• Meet with a professor to discuss how they are preparing new professionals.

“At APUS, we have a global mentor network where students can explore various career fields and begin building their professional network with other students or alumni,” says Berenson.

“Nurture relationships with mentors and professional contacts and refer back to them throughout your career, not just when you need a job,” says Berenson. For example, one mentor might be a person who is savvy with social networking tools. They can help you learn and apply tools as they emerge, so that they benefit you professionally.

Pursue a degree or certification
You may need a bachelor’s degree, advanced degree, or certifications to ensure your knowledge base is current. Today, there are affordable options to earn a degree, such as online learning, that fit the personalities and schedules of adult learners.

APUS, for example, offers 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an affordable and flexible format. Monthly class starts and eight- and 16-week course options can help you fit courses around other commitments. Being an adult learner has other advantages, too.

“Our students share much from their professional worlds, adding to the curriculum,” says Berenson. “Many professors also work in the field and bring in that perspective.”

Take advantage of internships through your university to gain that added experience while still in school. If internships are not available, think about volunteering or developing your own internship.

Build your professional toolkit
Along the way, begin building and adding to your professional tool kit.

• Dust off your resume.
  • Re-package your resume, so it reflects today’s preferred styles and formats, including fonts, length, writing style, summaries and more.
  • Rewrite it so keywords and messages stand out.
  • Change generic language about skills into quantifiable statements about successes on the job. For example, state how much you increased revenue and how.
  • Make it interactive. Add links to your professional profile on LinkedIn.com, for instance.
  • Add information about accomplishments during your break from the work world, such as volunteer positions.
  • Translate your college work into marketable skills, such as the ability to do comprehensive research, manage a project or write long-term plans.
• Research the best way to submit your resume and references, especially to companies you may be “cold calling.” For example, should you mail or email? Does the company warn against or encourage follow-up calls? How do they prefer supporting documentation?
• Develop an electronic portfolio and include special projects, such as strategic plans you’ve written. Business documents, even if they are written for a class, prove you have the necessary skill-set.
• Include professional organizations, but generally only those you currently belong to and only if they relate to the current position.
• Continue nurturing your professional and mentor network. Maintain connections with classmates and professors through alumni groups or professional associations.

Berenson advised tailoring this professional toolkit for each job. Highlight those skill sets and previous positions that prove you’re right for the job.

“When you do land that interview for the perfect job, be confident about your career choice, your knowledge and your connections,” says Berenson. “Enjoy this new chance to pursue your dreams.”