The start of the new school year means new beginnings for students, but it might have you thinking about your own career goals.
If you’re looking for a career makeover, the process to switch industries might be easier than you think.
“The first thing to do is really assess the skills that you have that can be those transferable skills,” said Dawn Fay, operational president with recruiting firm Robert Half.
Fay said switching industries is possible, you just need to understand how to market yourself and your skills.
“It’s all about how you can communicate your product and services,” Fay said.
Robert Half recently conducted a survey and found 91% of active job seekers are open to changing industries.
Here’s how to start: Robert Half recommends when you explore careers in other fields:
- List your strengths
- Network with people in that industry
- Fill holes in your knowledge base
“For example, somebody might be working at a consulting firm or an accounting firm and their clients may have been tech clients, so although you yourself have not worked in the tech industry or tech company, you have serviced that industry,” Fay explained.
Be open to getting additional certificates or take a webinar to enhance the skills you’ll need in that particular field.
“You want to show your ability to grow, take initiative,” Fay said.
Many industries are hiring right now. Tech/IT, finance and accounting have the most job openings according to Robert Half.