7 Considerations When Making a Career Change to Another Industry

My father worked in the same company in the international manufacturing industry for 36 years. In fact, his first job out of university led to a full career that took him through a variety of roles in the same company. He ultimately retired from that company. Perhaps you have a similar story of someone in your family? That type of loyalty to one company is rare in this day and age – but I think the commitment to one industry is also becoming less common with each day. Workers are more mobile, willing to take chances and risks, and find their best fit.

Changing careers to a different industry can be both exciting and daunting. It offers a fresh start, new challenges, and opportunities for growth. But it also benefits from carefully considering your options and reasons for making a change. Here are seven things to bear in mind before making the leap:

1. Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

Before making any move, I recommend an analysis…on yourself. Reflect on why you want to change careers and what you hope to achieve. 

Consider the following questions:

1. What are my core skills and how can they be applied to the new industry?

2. What are my long-term career aspirations?

3. What motivates me to make this change?

2. Research the New Industry

In-depth research will be helpful. Understand the industry dynamics, key players, trends, and future prospects. Familiarize yourself with the skills and qualifications required for roles in this industry. This research will help you gauge whether your current skills are transferable or if additional training is necessary. 

Look into the following:

1. Industry growth and stability

2. Key companies and their cultures

3. Job market demand and common career paths

4. Required certifications or education

3. Skill Gap Analysis and Education

Identify any skill gaps that may hinder your entry into the new industry. Once identified, take steps to bridge these gaps. This might involve enrolling in LinkedIn courses, obtaining certifications, or gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work. Many industries value continuous learning, so demonstrating your commitment to acquiring new skills can make you a more attractive candidate.

4. Networking

Networking is a powerful tool when changing careers or industries – and congratulations, you are already doing this with Career Club DK! (If you’re not yet an Associate with CCDK, now is the time to sign up to really maximize the benefits of this network.) Connect with professionals in your target industry to gain insights and advice. 

Strategies for effective networking include:

1. Informational coffee chats with industry insiders

2. Participation in industry-specific groups online and offline

3. Attendance at conferences, seminars, and workshops

4. Leveraging LinkedIn to connect with professionals

5. Financial Planning

Career Club DK will focus more on finances in September, so stay tuned for relevant events. In the meantime, it is useful to think about whether a career or industry change will involve taking a pay cut or returning to school. Assess your financial situation and create a plan to manage the transition. 

Key financial considerations include:

1. Current savings and expenses

2. Potential changes in income

3. Cost of additional education or certifications
   

6. Adaptability and Resilience

Changing industries involves stepping out of your comfort zone and being willing to be the “new person” in the office. It requires adaptability and resilience to navigate new challenges and setbacks. Be prepared for a learning curve and remain open to feedback and continuous improvement. Cultivating a growth mindset will help you stay motivated and resilient throughout the transition.

7. Professional Branding and Resume

Look at people in the industry or field you are considering – who are the influencers, the people on LinkedIn with the jobs you aspire to. How do they brand themselves? How do you want to brand yourself? I may be biased, but one of the best ways to think through these questions is by booking Career Club DK founder Nischa for a free consultation through Career Catwalk or attend one of her regular career upgrade sessions. We advertise them in the Career Club DK newsletter, so be sure you are subscribed to get the scoop first. 

You’ll want to tailor your resume and professional branding to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences. 

Focus on how your background can add value to the new industry: 

1. Highlight transferable skills

2. Showcase relevant achievements and projects

3. Customize your resume for each application

4. Seek feedback from industry professionals

YOU GOT THIS! 

If you want to dedicate your working hours to one industry for decades, much like my father, you will have an exciting and varied career as an expert in your field. Making a career change to another industry is a big decision, but also brings excitement and new adventure. By conducting a thorough self-assessment, researching the new industry, addressing skill gaps, networking, planning financially, and flexing your resilience muscles, you can navigate this transition successfully. Only you can make this decision, but know you are not alone and Career Club DK is here to cheer you on and help. You got this! And remember, in Career Club DK we are Stronger Together.

Article by

Nichole Allem

CCDK Board Member, Newsletter Director

Senior Communications Advisor