We asked W. P. Carey Alumni: What is your best advice to someone who wants to transition to something different mid-career?
Here are 5 tips they shared:
- Ensure You Are Running Towards Something
- Get Clarity
- Be Intentional
- Leverage Your Network
- Complete Real Projects for Exciting Companies
Ensure You Are Running Towards Something
We hit a point in our career where we are tired, bored, or both and look for a change. The postings out there can look attractive, but you know the role or company is not the right fit. If you want to make a change, be certain you are running towards a change that aligns with your goals and values, not running away for the sake of an exit. Job postings will always be there; be selective in the next job/career change you want to pursue.
Evan Resman, W. P. Carey MBA ‘19, Thought-Logic
Get Clarity
If you are considering making a complete career shift there is likely something deep in your soul that is trying to guide you towards your purpose in life. Making a mid-career change can be both exciting and terrifying. Google will pull up all sorts of great advice – from seeking mentors, leveraging your current network, volunteering time, trying a side hustle, making a list of pros/cons or transferrable skills, etc….but the very first step is to get really clear on what you want. How do you do that? Make time to get quiet, get out in nature, journal and really check in with yourself. Let go of logic for a moment and listen to your heart, your inner voice. Getting clarity on what you want and what’s important to you in life…tuning into your why…will make taking the next steps feel less like a leap off a cliff and more like finally finding your way.
Jennifer Farner, W. P. Carey B.S. Finance ‘08, Vibrant Life Coaching
Be Intentional
Before making a transition, pause, reflect, and research. First, get clarity on your values, interests, strengths, the lifestyle you want, and the problems and causes you care about and want to work on. Research opportunities that align and talk to people already doing the work you’re interested in. Make a plan and ensure you’re taking intentional steps toward opportunities you’ll find fulfilling, rather than simply running away from something you no longer enjoy.
Robert Starks, W. P. Carey B.S. Marketing ‘03, CareerPrepped
Leverage Your Network
When considering pivoting to a different career field, spend some time reviewing your network of friends, former colleagues and supervisors to determine whether you know someone within the new industry you are targeting. Set up short 15-20 minute informational sessions to get a better understanding of the nature of the work and whether it aligns with your interests. Additionally, use this time to inquire about job opportunities and how to best apply. You have a much better chance of landing an interview with a target company if someone in your network vouches for you and can be used as a reference.
Johnathan Rockwood, W. P. Carey MBA, Lee Hecht Harrison
Complete Real Projects for Exciting Companies
Other than professional practices like medicine and law, which legally require a certain credential, you can transition fairly easily into any career path. The quickest way is to start learning on your own. You need 2 things to get your next job:
• The ability to create value for companies (up-skilling yourself)
• The ability to prove it (portfolio projects & networking)
The most effective way I’ve found to both up-skill yourself AND transition into your new career at the same time, is to:
1. Pick a company you’d love to work for
2. Teach yourself a new skill by completing a project for them, without even asking
3. Find a company leader’s email, using a free online email finder tool
4. Email them your project & offer to do more if they like it
5. Repeat until hired
Everything you need is available for free on the Internet; just get curious, dedicate at least 30 minutes per day, and give yourself permission to fail fast & learn quickly.
Jérémy Chevallier, ASU B.A. Design Management ‘15, Inspiring Careers
