Think it’s time for you to forge a new career path? Let us get you prepared with your fresh new start! Here are a few tips on choosing a new career that’s right for you.

Examine yourself

Although you know yourself best, you might still find it difficult to determine the path you want to pursue next. This is why you should take some time to think about yourself and understand what careers are best suited to your skills and interests. 

To help you figure things out, taking a career assessment test is a great option. Here are a few online tests that are completely free for you to try:

1. Map Your True Calling 
2. Rasmussen College: Online Career Skills Assessment
3. O*Net: My Next Move
4. Virginia Education Wizard: Career Interests Assessment
5. Truity: Career Personality Profiler

You can also ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why are you making a change?
2. What do you do that is essential?
3. What are you looking for in your next career?
4. Are you willing to start all over again and gain the skills you’ll need?
5. How would you describe an ideal day at work?
6. Do you understand what is involved in switching to this new career?

Explore the occupations that appeal to you most

By this point, you might already come up with a list of prospective careers. The next thing you should do is to gather as much information as possible and identify the pros and cons of each option. Take note to find these important details:

1. Job descriptions
2. Educational or skill requirements
3. Estimated salary
4. Potential advancement opportunities
5. Work culture

Perform informational interviews

It’s true that you can get almost all the information you need by yourself, but it’d be wise for you to be better equipped with testimonies from people who have the experience.

Have an in-depth conversation with someone who can provide you with facts you can’t find on the internet. Who knows you’d change your mind after knowing something you just learned? 

Identify your qualifications gap

Transferable skills can help you land your next job, but keep in mind that you’ll also compete with people who have more relevant experiences. That said, you should increase your chances by overcoming your skills gap. Enhance your lack of sufficient knowledge and credibility by enrolling in a bootcamp, online courses, or certification programs. 

Eventually, you’ll reach the part when you should make your final decision. The process might be filled with many twists and turns, but remember that the time and energy you’ve invested will lead you somewhere. Good luck on your new journey!