Tips on Making a Career Transition

According to the World Economic Forum, experts predict people will have many careers in the future, core skills will matter, and lifelong learning will be essential. Here are some tips if you’re considering a career transition.

• Conduct a self-assessment. Consider what you’re good at and what you like doing, and focus on where the two overlap. Inventory your transferable skills—the skills you have demonstrated in your current career and volunteer experiences that you can apply to the new field. Also, know your financial situation and what compensation range is possible for you.
• Do your research. Learn about your options and what skills, experience, and education are needed to be successful in the new field. Talk with people working in the industry. Join groups, such as associations and online communities, in your desired career so you can learn about current issues and gain access to resources, including job postings and salary surveys. For more in-depth information, see if you can shadow someone, intern, volunteer, or work part-time to see if the position is the right fit.
• Prepare your story. Be ready to highlight your career journey in a way that’s relevant to your new field, shows a logical progression to where you want to go, and presents how you can bring value.
• Leverage your resources. Connect with and learn from people throughout your network. Use your Toastmasters Pathways projects to advance your search, and explore and strengthen your leadership and communications skills. Practice interview questions and your elevator pitch through Table Topics^®.