What to Consider When Exploring a Career Change in 2021

As we head further into this new year, it is undoubtedly a time of change for some. Whether you are redecorating your home or changing your hairstyle, there are many ways that we can change our lives.

That being said, there will be some of you who are reading this, who are contemplating changing their careers in 2021, with the Office for National Statistics estimating that one in four people are seeking to do just that.

If you are one of those people and are seeking some help and guidance when exploring your career change options, look no further! Detailed below are some essential things to consider when changing careers.

Do Adequate Research

It is all well and good jumping into your dream industry from the one you are currently in, but there will always be a risk in doing so. Before venturing into unknown territory, it is always advised to do a decent amount of research. The last thing that you want is to be heading into an industry that is sinking and finding yourself out of a job.

Creating networking opportunities and making connections in numerous industries will give you a broader scope of the markets that are out there. You can then work out how they are projected to grow in the coming weeks and months. The more people you know, the better opportunities you will be presented with. After all, as the saying goes, "it's who you know, not what you know."

Assess Your Experience and Options Available

This is extremely important when wanting to branch out into a different industry. For the most part, the skills and experience you have picked up in one job should be transferrable to another sector. However, it should be noted that this is not always the case, and there will be some job roles that require certain levels of experience to apply and qualify.

If you are uncertain about the experience you have or are looking for ways to improve on the current knowledge you possess to be considered by the recruiters, consider a National Higher Certificate. Courses such as these are provided by city colleges – and sometimes, universities – and cover a wide variety of courses, leading you into several different industries. They are a great way of ensuring that you are prepared when heading into a career change this year.

Begin the Process

This will take a lot of courage and will naturally cause certain levels of nerves, but it will pay off in the long term. By ensuring that you are prepared for the new journey in front of you, it should go without a hitch.

While it is essential to enjoy the process, if you find that you are struggling or worried about the process, nothing is stopping you from reaching out to a friend or colleague for some guidance and advice. Mainly if you have made connections in your new industry, we are confident that they will be happy enough to bestow some advice on how to break into the industry.