New Year – New Career – New You

For most of us, the New Year spells a long list of resolutions that we rarely fulfil. But what if this year, you made a list that was realistic and achievable? What if, instead of the traditional ‘lose weight’ pledges and ‘join the gym’ wishes, you picked something that deep down you’ve always wanted to do? Would you go for it?

We’ve talked in previous posts, about how one of the most popular times to change your career or apply for a job is in January. And it is true – now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your life, change your career and add new qualifications to your arsenal.

Yet, how can you do? How can you make this ambition a reality?

Taking the steps to change…

If you are genuinely interested in changing your career this year, then there are a number of things you can do to make this happen.

Step One: Decisions

You need to seriously consider what you want to change. Do you love your job but feel you are in a rut? Do you want a challenge or crave the chance to prove yourself in a more demanding role?

Or have you realised that your current career path is not for you?

Whether you are the first or the second option, you need to sit down and really think about what you want. Only once you are know which direction you want to take your career, can you make the right preparations for change.

Step Two: Qualifications

No matter your decision from step one, you need to evaluate your qualifications and determine if they are what you need to make your career change happen.

If you simply want to move up the career ladder, then it may be a case that you need to bolster your current qualifications or expand on your specialisms. We recommend researching the career you wish to pursue, so you know exactly which extra qualifications you need to add.

If on the other hand, you are the second option, then again researching your chosen career will allow you to evaluate what qualifications you need to get to put you in a better position for applying. You may be surprised by how qualified you already are; however, only with research can you work out your next step for achieving them.

Online courses are a fantastic way to add to your CV without you having to give up your day job. Not only can complete them in your spare time, you can also do them from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.

This is especially perfect if you are having to enrol onto a qualification that you have never studied before, as it can alleviate the pressure to perform.

Step Three: Evaluate your time

Continuing on from step two, once you have researched your chosen career, you need to evaluate your time.

Now we are not just talking about making sure you have enough time to study and work. We are also talking about the long term implications of enrolling onto a new course e.g. how long will it take you to achieve all the qualifications you need.

Depending on what you want to do – boost your current qualifications or study something brand new – you need to be realistic in the knowledge that the career change you want may not be immediately possible. 1 month, 6 months, 1 year or 2 years… it may be a while before you are able to change your job completely.

For this reason, don’t do anything rash i.e. quit your current job. Instead, be rational and patient about what you need to achieve.

Step Four: Get started

You’ve made your plan. You know what you want to do and you know what you need to do to make it happen. Now it is time to get started!!!

For help finding the courses/qualifications you need, speak to one of our consultants today and let us help you to get started.