Career|

5 Tips for Starting a New Career

Outside looking in window at two remote workers working at desks inside of The Haven coworking space in Bend, Oregon

Are you feeling stuck in your current job and ready for a change? Or, perhaps, you’re seeking a greater sense of job satisfaction. For many, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about pursuing a new career in 2023. Whether you’re looking to switch industries or take on a completely different role, making that transition can be daunting. With these five career change tips, you’ll be well on your way to pursuing your new career goals.

1. Assessing your current skills and interests

Before you consider your new career options, assessing your current skills and interests is important. This will give you a better idea of what type of career might be a good fit for you.

To assess your existing skills and interests, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What are my strengths?
  • What do I enjoy doing?
  • What am I good at?
  • What are my values?
  • What is important to me?
  • Do I have transferable skills?

Think about each question carefully and write down your answers. Once you have some clarity, you can start researching the career path that might suit you. If you’re unsure, try taking this 15-minute new career quiz.

2. Researching trends and new industries

When it comes to research, there are a few different things you can do to help you figure out which trends and new industries are worth paying attention to.

First, take some time to read up on industry news and analysis. This will give you a good overview of what’s happening in the world of work and which industries are growing or shrinking.

Next, use social media to your advantage. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are great for keeping up with current events and connecting with professionals in your field. Use them to follow key influencers and learn about new opportunities as they arise.

Finally, don’t forget about good old-fashioned networking. Attend industry and networking events, meetups, and conferences to rub shoulders with potential employers and get a feel for what’s hot in your field. Do your research and stay ahead of the curve.

3. Gain the necessary education and experience

There are many paths to starting a new career, but most will require some combination of education and experience. For many jobs, formal education is required. This can be obtained from various institutions, including colleges, universities, and trade schools.

Often, job-specific training or certification is necessary and can be obtained through on-the-job training programs, employer-sponsored training, or professional development courses.

In addition to acquiring the necessary education and training, gaining relevant work experience is vital for landing a new job. This can be done through internships, volunteering, or part-time work in your desired industry.

4. Leveraging job opportunities

There are many ways to leverage job opportunities when starting a new career. One way is to look for companies that are expanding and hiring in the industry you’re interested in. Another way is to network with professionals in your field and get your foot in the door that way. You can also search online job boards or attend job fairs to find employment opportunities. 

Finally, don’t forget to utilize your connections, as they may know of openings that aren’t publicly advertised. Keep all of these avenues in mind as you pursue a new career, and you’ll be sure to find success. Of course, this is where your professional network will come in handy.

5. Be patient and stay positive

Making a career transition can be a long and challenging process. It is essential to be patient and stay positive throughout the process to increase your chances of success. It’s normal to require a job in the interim.

If you need to continue to work during the process, there are a few options.

  • Scale down to part-time at your existing job
  • Find a part-time job while you job hunt or intern
  • Join the gig economy. There are many ways to “side hustle” your way through a career transition.
  • Offer your services on Upwork or Fiverr. That is, if you’re moving to a remote or tech-based career.

Connect with professionals at a coworking space

There’s no better place to be when transitioning careers than a coworking space. Why? Because coworking spaces offer a built-in professional network and a sense of community. Many coworking members often collaborate on projects, refer other members for professional services, and even hire members for their businesses.

Start building your new career and find a better work-life balance with a trial coworking membership at The Haven Coworking. What’s better, is that our trial memberships are just $149 for your first month. Get all of the full-time membership benefits for a fraction of the cost while you test the waters. After all, you might meet your next career prospect.

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