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Story by Cathi Douglas '80 | Image by Karen Tapia
Invest time. Know what you really want to do.
If possible, do the exploratory research into a new field while you are still employed.
Assess your natural strengths. Look at your successes. Know how you can use them.
Conversely, know your weaknesses. Work on building the strengths you are missing.
Listen to what respected colleagues say about you. Understand yourself.
Pick people’s brains. Glean information and target your résumé accordingly.
Network. Most people are hired because of referrals or knowing the right person.
Look to see if there are certificate programs you can take to retrain yourself.
Always be prepared with a résumé and an “elevator speech.”
Be flexible. You may not have the status or compensation you had originally as you enter a new field.
Don’t be parochial. Seek opportunities out of the ordinary.
Research different organizations that are seeking the skill set you possess
Come back to your professors. They are there to help their students toward success.
Break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps.
Be open to guidance and advice, both from peers and loved ones.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back for trying to change.
Believe in yourself. Know the reasons you are making a change.
Be adaptable. You may find you have skills you didn’t know you had.
Consider job sampling, through volunteerism or informational interviews.
Market yourself. You must become your own best salesperson.
Be willing to get the education and training you need to do the job.
Read up and stay current about the work you want to do.
Consider volunteering at professional conferences or exhibitions.
Persistence pays off. Show prospective employers that you really want the job.
Seek extracurricular activities that will attract employers’ attention: Start a new organization, plan an event, make something happen.
Produced by Strategic Communications
at California State University, Fullerton.