Has anyone ever switched careers after being involved in ones field for more than 4 years and then switched to different industry?
How long it took you to consider that move? Why did you want to get out of your current field/industry?
how was the experience and what is kind of advice that you will give to other people thinking about same move.? What are the things one needs to consider before making shift in career
I switched from teaching to film production. i was working on smaller film projects during my summer vacations. it took me about 4 months to consider the move. i felt i had been in school waaay too long and after telling the students to work hard toward their passions in life, i wanted to further develop mine as well. it was a great experience. i joined local film orgs and learned about jobs that way. i started as a researcher for an indep. film...then took a casting assistant internship for a couple of months before eventually landing a stable 9-5 with a corporate film company in a major market.
first, you have to consider your financial options. i had a supportive family who allowed me to be "in the hole" for several months before landing a paid position. if not, it's best to have a 6-12 month savings during your transition.
second- study the field thoroughly. find out pros and cons and figure out what your comofrt level is. is it something you want to try temporarily or can you really commit to it for a long time? what are orher people's comments/complaints in that particular field?
third- join professional organizations in the field that you want to be in gives you networking opportunities. definately develop strong connections early...gain mentors and job advice, participate in conferences...etc.
forth- develop job training related skills. you may or may not have to return to graduate studies. or, take more specific classes at a community college so that you're as competitive as the next guy.
fifth- be confident in your transferable skills. you already may have a LOT to offer. make sure your potential employer knows that you'd be a good investment/asset because of your diverse background.
and last- decide when to tell others about your career move. talk early if you think your friends are resources for you. talk later if you think you may be criticized for the field choice. see if you get somewhere first and then share your accomplishment.
good luck!
Re: Change of Careers!
hm.
later.
Re: Change of Careers!
I was studying Aeronautical Engineering and did that for 4 years. Combined one year with electrical engineering :D
Started working alot before finishing aero engineering. Got a good job offer. Now working as test manager and studying industrial engineering and managment :D
I hope to finish what I started (aeronautical engineering) one day. Due to circumastances I had to switch
There are two things I believe you should think about:
1) Are you happy in your curent field
2) If you change will it affect yourself or anyone else (financially) in a negative way.
Re: Change of Careers!
you might want to consider getting qualifications required in the new area of interest... sometims that can get you a good job without compromise .... normally when you change careers 4-5 years down the road , the salary becomes hurdle , you may not get an equavalent salary in your new role ... hence consider getting qualufued and then make the jump...