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New Year, New Career (Part 4: Leveraging Networking and Connections)

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Over the past few blog posts, we’ve been specifically discussing strategies and pathways for people who don’t just want to find a “new job,” but to switch careers entirely. If you’ve been tracking with me from the beginning, hopefully by now you’ve made your decision to pursue a new career; done a personal inventory (including identifying your talents, finding your “why,”) to reimagine how these might inform your career path; and begun taking steps toward filling in any educational gaps you may have. Now, it’s time to build on this groundwork you’ve been laying–and one of the most important ways to do that is by developing and utilizing a strong network.

I’m going to spend a bit of time on this topic because networking is one of the most powerful tools in your metaphorical toolbox to get your new career started–whether you’re finding clients for your own business or networking to find job openings. I emphasize networking highly when helping clients find new jobs in their chosen field–but it’s just as vital a tool when launching a brand-new caeer. Here’s why:

85 percent of all jobs are filled through networking. (Hubspot, 2019)

Let that sink in a moment because that’s a LOT of jobs. The vast majority of job positions are filled, not by answering job postings, cold calling, or blasting out one’s resume, but through connections. Not only that, but according to CNBC, 70 percent of job listings aren’t even publicly posted–so the only way to find them is through networking!

Convinced, yet?

So for this final post in the blog series, let’s talk about practical and creative ways for you to build and nurture a solid network of connections and utilize that to find opportunities to launch yourself on your new path.

Start with Your Existing Network

Before branching out and forming new relationships, take some time to assess your current network. This includes friends, family members, classmates, professors, coworkers, and acquaintances, both in-person and online. Identify individuals who may have valuable connections or insights into your target industry, and make it a priority to reconnect with them.

Attend Industry Events to Expand Your Network Strategically

Industry events, such as conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking mixers, are excellent opportunities to meet professionals in your chosen field. When attending these events, make sure to bring business cards, practice your elevator pitch, and most of all, engage in meaningful conversations. Don’t forget to follow up with new connections after the event to solidify your relationship. (More on that in a minute.)

Join Professional Associations

Professional associations offer a wealth of resources, including networking events, educational opportunities, and industry-specific job boards. By joining these organizations, you have the opportunity to surround yourself with industry experts while gaining access to valuable contacts and demonstrating your commitment to your chosen field.

Learn the Art of the Follow-Up

It’s not enough just to meet new people at networking and industry events. Without a second and third contact, most people simply won’t have the mental power to remember you. So after making a new connection, particularly one with career-building potential, be sure to follow up with them. Send a thank-you note, connect on social media, or schedule a coffee date to continue building the relationship. If you’ve connected with them on line, regularly engage with your connections by commenting on their posts, sharing interesting articles, or reaching out to them with questions or updates.

Leverage Social Media to Connect with Professionals Online

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of LinkedIn when it comes to making business connections–but these principles will work on any other social platforms you join. Follow industry influencers, join LinkedIn groups related to your field, engage in relevant conversations, and share content that showcases your expertise. Optimize your LinkedIn profile by adding a professional photo, crafting a compelling headline, and highlighting your skills and accomplishments.

Volunteer

If you’re looking to transition into a new field, consider volunteering or freelancing to gain valuable experience, demonstrate your skills, and build your portfolio. In addition to enhancing your resume, these opportunities can lead to new connections and possible job offers.

Request Informational Interviews with Industry Professionals

An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone in your target industry that helps you learn more about their career path, company, and industry trends. Identify some leaders in your field and reach out to request an informational interview. When you meet, come prepared with thoughtful questions. Be sure to send a thank-you note afterward to express your gratitude and maintain the relationship. Not only can this technique give you valuable insights into your new field, but in some cases you can find a helpful mentor. (Sometimes it only takes one influential person to open a whole range of doors for you.)

Give Back

Networking is a two-way street. As you work to build your connections, be prepared to offer value in return. Share job leads, provide introductions, or lend your expertise to others in your network. By being a supportive and valuable contact, you’ll strengthen your relationships and encourage others to reciprocate.

Nurture Your Connections: Build Long-Term Relationships

Networking is not just about making new connections; it’s also about nurturing existing relationships to build long-term relationships. Stay in touch with your contacts, congratulate them on their successes, and offer support when needed. By fostering genuine connections, you’ll create a network that can support your career growth for years to come.

This all may seem like a lot to remember, but as you get started, much of it becomes intuitive. After all, what you’re doing here is forming relationships, and once you get past the learning curve, relationships become a natural outflow of who you are. In this case, you’re forming relationships that can be helpful and even strategic for your career–but even when making strategic connections, those relationships can and should be genuine. Keep at it, and things should quickly become second-nature to you.

As always, if you want some one-on-one help in navigating your career change, not only can I help—I can relate. I know firsthand the excitement (and terror) of launching a new career, and I know how to help you find your way to other side of this life-changing transition. For a free, no-obligation consultation, just click here to access my calendar.

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New Year, New Career (Part 3: Filling in Educational Gaps)

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In previous posts (see here and here), we’ve been focusing on those who may be wanting to launch a whole new career in 2023, and the various ways to go about it. We’ve done the 10,000-foot view of the process, and we’ve talked about taking a personal inventory of your skills and passions to find your “why”, and how to let those things inform your new career path. Now, let’s assume you’ve settled on a new career path for yourself–you know what you want to do. It’s time to take some tangible steps toward that goal–beginning with revisiting your education and credentials, reviewing whether you have any gaps to fill, and figuring out how to fill those gaps.

Identifying Your Educational Gaps

The good news is, if you’ve followed the previous step of taking a personal inventory, there’s a good chance you’ve discovered you already have most of the skills and abilities necessary for your new career. That’s because most of us tend to move in the general direction of our passions throughout life, even if we don’t know that’s what we’re doing. It’s rare that someone would have to start over from the beginning with their education (although it does happen, and that’s okay, too). But most people aren’t starting from nothing, and that’s why we refer to it as an “education gap.” You most likely just have to fill in some spaces, update your credentials, get a little additional training, etc. Do some preliminary research, and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What additional credentials or certifications are required for your new career?
  • What additional credentials or certifications would be helpful for your new career?
  • What credentials are employers looking for in your new career path?

The idea here is to identify what additional training is required versus what training is simply optional–and then you can decide how to proceed.

Closing the Gaps

Once you’ve identified what educational gaps need to be filled, the next step is to determine how to fill them. Depending on your specific career choice and the requirements for that field, there may be a variety of options available to you. You may decide to pursue a degree from an accredited college or university, take online classes, complete certification programs (especially if they are offered in your area of specialty), join professional organizations and become certified, and/or attend conferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here; it’s all about what works best for you and the new career you’ve chosen to pursue.

Set Realistic Goals for How Much Time and Effort (and Money) You Can Invest

Let’s face it: Filling educational gaps takes time (and usually money). You need to be realistic about how much time and effort you are willing to put into attaining the necessary knowledge. Can you realistically set aside a few hours each week? Is there anything in your day-to-day life currently that needs adjustment or can be dropped entirely? When you’re starting out, you may feel motivated to jump in with both feet and immerse yourself in study–but if you are still at your current job (or need to work part-time to keep the bills paid), that’s probably not a realistic goal. Flames that burn hot tend to burn out more quickly–and you don’t want to burn out. Pace yourself and set goals that are manageable and attainable so you don’t get tired and discouraged. It’s better to start small and take a little more time to earn your credentials than to overload yourself and eventually quit.

As for the cost…if the cost of schooling in tuition is challenging for you, there may be financial aid options available If you’re training to start your own business, research to see if there are any available grants you might be eligible for (for example, many organizations actively seek to fund women and minorities who are starting businesses, and you can use at least some of that money for education purposes). Contact the financial aid department at schools where your credentials are offered to see what options they have for you. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Seek Advice and Mentoring from Professionals in Your Field of Interest

Getting advice from someone who is already in the field you want to enter can help you develop a better and more realistic plan for filling your educational gaps. Talking with professionals in the industry can give you insight into what it’s really like to work in that career and what employers are looking for. They may even be able to offer suggestions on which schools offer the best programs, or which certifications will best set you up for success. Even more than that–finding a mentor in your field of interest can greatly accelerate your ramp-up time. And sometimes, simply having someone who understands what you’re going through can be a great source of encouragement.

Speaking of mentoring…even as you’re working through these steps, embarking on a career change alone can be quite daunting. As a career coach (who has also switched careers), I can provide even more insights and one-to-one guidance than you’ll find alone in this process. For a free, no-obligation consultation, just click here to access my calendar.

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New Year, New Career (Part 2: Taking a Personal Inventory for Career Success)

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If you’re like most people, once you’ve made the decision to embark on a whole new career, the first emotion you feel may be one of excitement and hope…followed quickly by a sense of terror. What have I done? you ask yourself. What am I doing?

Sound familiar?

Relax. (I know…easier said than done.) This is probably going to be stressful, but the emotions you’re feeling are completely natural. Making a major career change is certainly daunting. The best way to get past this feeling is to start making a plan. And that begins with what I call taking a personal inventory. With this process, you’re going to do some internal work to discover your “personal assets”–exploring your skills, your passions, and your motivations so that you can reimagine how these assets can fit into a new career. (Note: this step is primarily for people who have left their current job or are planning to do so, but they don’t really know what they want to do next. If you already have a good idea about your next career and why you’re making the change, this blog will be informative, but not essential. You’ve already done this work.)

Ready? Here we go…

List Your Strengths

The first thing to do with a personal inventory is to compile a list your strengths. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and get you thinking:

  • What are your known talents?
  • What are your acquired skills?
  • What do you consider your personality strengths?
  • What successes at your previous jobs are you most proud of?
  • How do you uniquely solve problems or come up with creative solutions?

Think about what makes you unique and stand out from other working professionals. Consider any experiences or skills you have that could be valuable in the workplace. For example, if you’re seeking a leadership role, list any experiences you’ve had in the past that demonstrate your ability to lead teams. If you don’t have much experience in the area yet, think about soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking that could be beneficial in any role.

At this point, don’t downplay anything. Every skill and talent matters! Writing down a thorough list of your strengths will help to create the basis for finding a new career.

List Your Passions

While the previous step focuses on what you can do, this next step focuses on what you want to do. Among the talents and skills you listed in the previous step, do any stand out as something you love to do more than the others?

Your passions are just as important as your strengths when taking an inventory of yourself, and possibly even more so. What drives and motivates you? What topics do you find interesting? List anything that comes to mind—even if it seems far-fetched at first—as these can highlight potential industries or roles that may be right for you. You may even find unexpected connections between passions and potential career paths once everything is laid out on paper.

Find Your “Why”

This one is going to take some work, and it may not come overnight…but it’s well worth the effort. With this step, you’re going to review your passions and strengths and try to narrow things down even further to find your core motivation–the thing that gets you up in the morning, so to speak.

Your “why.”

I’ve talked about this before, but it especially bears repeating in the context of finding a new career path. Most people know what they do, but they don’t know why they do it. Finding your “why” is key to identifying a career path that you love, one that you’re going to stick with–one that feels more like a life calling than a job. For this step, I recommend re-reading this blog post, as well as working your way through Simon Sinek’s books Start with Why and Find Your Why. Doing this work should start pointing you in the direction of a career path that is more aligned with your “why.” (For many people, it also shows them why they weren’t happy in their previous career.)

View Your Personal Assets in a New Light

Once you have listed your talents and passions, and once you’ve at least begun the process of finding your “why,” it’s time to take a fresh look at these personal assets. Ask yourself why these qualities matter to you, both personally and professionally. Why do they make sense within the context of a certain industry or job function? This is where things get really interesting–because you’ll likely begin to see options for how these abilities and motivations can fit into a new and different career that you perhaps never even thought of. (I often use myself as a personal example here: when I made my career change, I discovered that the passions and skills that fueled my decades-long career in human resources would serve me even better in my current role as a career coach!)

Believe it or not, once you get through these steps, you’ll already be well on your way to discovering a new career for yourself. In the upcoming blog posts in this series, we’ll go through some more practical steps for setting yourself up for your new career. In the meantime, this process can be challenging, and it’s typically much easier when you have someone to help guide you through the steps. If you’d like to explore the option of getting some career coaching, that’s what I’m here for. Just click here to access my calendar and set up a free 30-minute initial consultation.