Many people, including yourself, will be fully aware that we are fast approaching the end of another year. Traditionally, when the bell strikes midnight, we make all sorts of promises to ourselves about what we are going to achieve in the New Year.
Perhaps lose weight, maybe get fitter or healthier, or maybe it is to do with your lifestyle and perhaps a career change in on the cards. Many people like the idea of changing jobs, but are too afraid to take that plunge.
If that sounds like you, then here are 4 sure fire ways you can make that career change in the next year ahead.
Decide on what you want to do
One of the first things you will want to do is take the time to consider exactly what you want to do as a career in the future. You may not have been fortunate enough to know what this was in school, and so fell into a career that perhaps you haven’t loved or felt passionate about.
However, the choices you have made in the past, or the experiences you have had in life, may help you decide where your skills and attributions best lie.
You may find that taking some time to think about what it is you could do, might be the best thing to help you make clearer steps to finally changing your career.
Be proactive with qualifications and degrees
In the past, many careers required specific qualifications and degrees to be considered for the role. Nowadays, with the rise of the internet and online learning, students can easily make transcripts online, and the same is for degrees. Now, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those without a college degree. From entrepreneurship to positions in the trades, there are plenty of paths available for those who are willing to think outside the box and have knowledge and skills. An element of studying is required for a lot of specific jobs, and this can be done in person but more conveniently online.
For example, a nursing degree may be something you think will require hours in a classroom, but considering options like masters in nursing online could help you enable to make that dream a reality without needing to leave a job so that you can still pay the bills. Similarly, for those seeking to take their nursing credentials even further, RN to MSN online programs offer a seamless transition from registered nursing to advanced practice levels. These programs allow you to continue working while you pursue a higher degree, balancing professional responsibilities with academic advancement.
Some nursing schools provide the option of online studies. However, admission requirements frequently include specific tests such as TEAS, NET, Kaplan Admissions Test, and similar evaluations. Certain schools also administer the HESI test to assess student’s readiness for the NCLEX exam, a crucial step toward becoming a registered nurse. Success on the HESI test isn’t solely dependent on knowledge from coursework; independent learning also plays a vital role. Free guide for the key concepts tested in the HESI, and mock tests tailored for the HESI exam can be found online. These resources are available for each type of exam for nursing, so starting your profession as a nurse just requires devotion and patience.
Don’t wait to join a learning series if you’re looking to switch up your career. There is never a “right time” for a job change, just like there’s never a right time for having children. Once you take the plunge, though, your mind adapts and you find a way to make it work. It could take several years, but eventually, you’ll get there with consistent effort, proper planning, and daily commitment.
Seek out opportunities instead of waiting for them
The next thing you may want to think about is being a little more proactive. Too many times the excuse of there not being a job can be the thing that stops you in your tracks, but it doesn’t have to be.
Be actionable and seek out the opportunities yourself. Whether it is emailing contacts with your freshly revised resume or attending networking events and communicating with people, every step could be in the right direction for finally getting the job you want to do.
Make a decent first impression
Finally, after all that hard work, you now may face the final stumbling block which is the interview stage. This can often be the toughest thing to overcome, but one that you still have control over.
The best advice would be to ensure that you make a decent first impression, both in your physical appearance and the way you talk and answer questions.
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this friend! I can’t wait to see where the next year is going to take you!
These sound like very solid ways to begin on a career change, or a life change. I definitely feel the need for a big change next year.