Pivoting to a new line of work is not easy. If you are a woman, you might find this transition particularly intimidating, especially if you are shifting to an industry or niche dominated by men. Making matters worse is the fact the majority of the jobs lost during the pandemic were held by women. Let’s take a look at a few helpful tips that will facilitate a career shift.
Connect with Others
Though it is difficult to network with others in-person as the pandemic continues, you can certainly network on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Seize the opportunity to discuss your career path with others and you just might create a meaningful connection that boosts your career.
Continue discussing your work with others and you will find discussing business doesn’t feel as much like a sales pitch. In short, it is in your interest to be social, whether it is online or offline. Establish connections on internet work platforms, expand your network and you will find switching careers proves that much easier.
Focus on Boosting Your Brand
Regardless of the career you plan on pivoting toward, you can build your own unique personal brand around that line of work. Creating your brand can be accomplished in an organic manner through social media. Infuse some new brand-oriented content onto these channels to highlight your new line of work, provide helpful information to your audience and you will develop an invaluable rapport that helps you catalyze your career growth.
Flexibility is Key
Flexibility is important both in the context of expanding your professional horizons and also succeeding after you make the transition to a new career. In short, the most flexible professionals tend to be the most successful. Furthermore, companies are becoming much more flexible in terms of work requirements, making it that much easier for employees to work from home, coffee shops, hotels, libraries and elsewhere. Embrace flexibility, put your professional dexterity on display and you will find shifting careers proves easier than expected.
Solve Problems!
The most successful professionals and businesses are focused on solving problems. If you are considering starting your own business, think about some of the problems you face in everyday life. Figure out the solutions to these problems and turn them into your own business. Even if you don’t launch your own company, a willingness to tackle problems head-on makes it much easier to succeed after pivoting to a new career. Continue to provide your employer with more value and you will have secured your position within the company, maintaining steady employment even during periods of downsizing and economic recessions.
Continue to Learn and Develop Your Skills
It is no secret many women have fought to secure their place on the corporate ladder in male dominated spaces and continue to work hard to master their craft. Your career transition will prove significantly easier if you continue to expand your horizons by learning and developing your skillset. Shore up any weaknesses in your skills or resume with ongoing learning and adaptability and you are setting yourself up for great success no matter your endeavor.
Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.
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