There comes a time in many professionals’ lives in which change is needed. This change might foster itself as simply as a change of location from one town to another nearby—or it might be as extreme as an entire career change. If you happen to be on the latter end of the spectrum, then it’s time to get started on the transition.
It’s important to understand that a career change is not an instant move. It takes a good amount of planning and preparation before execution can take place. If you are considering changing your career, you will need to get started. The following are a collection of tips from Florida National University (FNU):
- Know When It’s Time to Change
One should evaluate whether or not it is time for a transition. Here are some signs that an individual might benefit from a career change:
- The individual moves slowly at work, uninspired to complete the tasks in front of him or her.
- They do not believe in the work they are completing. They do not see its value to themselves or others.
- One finds it hard to go to work each day, and they become miserable throughout the course of the day.
- The individual finds himself or herself interested in a particular subject that they see the potential to work in.
- One may find himself or herself thinking about roles or careers they would prefer to be in each day.
- The individual genuinely considers whether or not pursuing a different career would improve their overall outlook and wellbeing.
If any of these points sound familiar, it might be time for a career change. Once an individual comes to this realization, it is important to follow the next steps with care.
- Consider Your Direction
After one realizes that they are no longer fulfilled by their current position, it’s crucial to analyze why, and to decide what path they desire to take. Prospective students should consider careers that are attractive to them.
One must consider the long-term influence that this decision will have, and must analyze whether this will be foster itself well as a long-term commitment. After choosing a path, one can continue to move forward with their career change with these next steps.
- Determine Whether an Education is Necessary
Once one knows that a career change is pending and they have narrowed down the career they’d like, the next step is to gain an education or training in that field—especially if this is required for employment in the industry.
- Determine Your Flexibility and Schedule
Before diving into an education, one must consider their availability and the likelihood of attending classes with their current responsibilities.
Remember, it is possible to implement moves toward a new career path while still employed at one’s current job. The benefit to that is that one can continue working, earning money, and supporting oneself (and current responsibilities) while still working toward future goals.
The good news is that there can be flexibility related to scheduling classes—especially at FNU. FNU’s night classes, summer classes, and rolling application fees are all factors that allow students the ability to begin their educational career.
However, if an individual decides to leave their current position and pursue education full time, there are great benefits to this, as well. This decision enables that individual to pursue an education without many of the distractions of outside responsibilities.
- Get an Education
After all of these details have been taken into consideration, it’s time to make the move. It is important to take time to make this decision, as it is a life-altering choice. However, it is never a bad idea to begin training and learning about the field.
The best way to prepare for this career change is to enroll in a program from an accredited institution. This will offer the aspiring professional a solid educational foundation, providing the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to move forward.
Narrow Down Your Next Career and Get Started
However, providing the solid foundation of an education is not the only way in which FNU helps students to excel in the midst of a career change.
Once students complete their degree with FNU, there is a team of specialists ready to guide that student toward a career. Students can enlist the help of FNU’s Job Placement services in order to narrow down the next career they are going to pursue. This center opens the doors to a world of possibilities, helping students and alumni discover positions that they might not have found otherwise.
FNU: The Right Path to Start Your Career Change
Do you want to be a nurse? Do you aspire to be an X-Ray Tech? Or, are you dreaming about something else entirely? More than likely, FNU has a program for that! Review a list of programs offered by FNU. Once you find the one you are interested in, it’s time to apply and start your education!
