Make the move: 5 proactive tips for a successful career change

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       For the new career there may be new  skills required to be learnt and new  knowledge acquired. It will be in  your interest to find what is needed to succeed in your proposed new career

Changing from one career to another in Nigeria
is made much difficult by the nature of our job
industry and so calls for careful analysis. You
want to be sure you are making the right moves.
If you are thinking of changing your career
these tips may be of some help.

Be Objective with What You Want

To want to change careers there must be a
reason or reasons. Are you changing because
your current career seems to be heading
nowhere or because you found a new love you
want to pursue. Reasons and motives for doing
something as impactful as changing careers
should be clear so you don’t make decisions on
flimsy foundations.
If you want a career change because of lack of
job satisfaction you may first check to see if the
poor work satisfaction or work condition is
peculiar to only your job (in which case you
might be better off looking for a better job
elsewhere) or akin to the career path you are in.

Access Your Chances

For the new career there may be new skills
required to be learnt and new knowledge
acquired. It will be in your interest to find what
is needed to succeed in your proposed new
career.
The rules of your current career may not be
valid or be sufficient for the new direction you
want to go. Be sure the things needed to
succeed in your new career are within your
reach.

Narrow Your Targets

While making the career switch you do not need
to cast your net just anywhere you sniff
opportunity. At this stage precision and targeted
search will serve you better. Identify and reduce
your target areas of focus to a manageable
number.

Start Networking, Connecting Way
Before You Change

It may be difficult to start making connections
when you need them. Start meeting the right
people in your new career environment even
before you need to ask them for tips or referral
on openings. Get to know people who can help
you better understanding the workings,
challenges of your intended new career.
Establish as much professional relationships as
possible and learn all you can about how things
work. Your journey to the new playground will
be easier that way.

Moving Down The Ladder

Most people think all career changes are
upward climbs on the career ladder. Somebody
can change careers and take on jobs with lower
prestige than the previous for several reasons. It
could be job satisfaction, less stress and interest
in the new position. Analyse opportunities that
come your way in the new career path and
match them against the parameters of what you
want.
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