7 Steps to Take When Considering a Career Change

Check out this recent article: 7 Steps to a Career Change:

http://internsover40.blogspot.com/2009/10/7-steps-to-career-change.html

Here's my take:

Some excellent insights. I agree with the idea of looking before you leap and like the ideas offered, and especially agree with the idea of attending trade shows. In addition, check out Linkedin or ask your network of friends and family of they know of someone in the industry who may actually be in that role (doing the job) or close enough to the job to chat with. Offer to meet them for coffee. It will be worth the cost of treating them. Each time I've networked, I've gotten good tidbits of information, even if it did not ultimately lead to a job, itself. I also enjoyed the networking experience and have kept up with many of those I have networked with in the past, and vice versa. In many cases, I've reciprocated over the years. THAT'S what it's all about. I believe you can never know too many people.

In terms of guarding against transitioning into industries that may be a "fad," I also think that using the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see evidence of where the jobs/industries are going (shrinking or growing) is a great way to gain insight. The article mentioned this source, but not in terms of using it for this purpose, so I thought I'd punctuate this point.

Getting a job as a volunteer in a professional organization for the industry you are interested in or if possible, in the industry itself (e.g., if you want to go into nursing, you might volunteer to be a candy striper or otherwise help out at a hospital or clinic), was another great suggestion. Another way to get into an industry is to intern if you are enrolled at a college that offers internships. Some will allow you to intern for credit, while others will pay you. It's a great way to see a company "from the inside out," make contacts and also gain insights about the industry/company to assess whether it is a fit. Moreover, it could help land you a job once you finish your program. This has often been the case, as the employer also is evaluating whether you could be a fit for THEM down the line.

I also agree with the idea of putting it on paper. My grandma always told me to "Write it down," and it would be clearer. Also, there are some statistics that demonstrate that you are more likely to follow through if things are they are memorialized on paper!