So you’re about to make a big career change, and the new job you just accepted is the first step to a new career path. Congratulations! But what next? It’s time to consider the the steps that will help you be successful in your transition, your new role, and all future work endeavors.
Five Steps on the Career Change Path to Success
- Do some serious soul searching to make sure you know what it is you want to get out of this job.
- What didn’t you like about your last job? What did you like? What do you hope to gain in your new position?
- Where do you see yourself in one year with this company?
All of these questions are important to explore, answer and understand before you begin your new job, so that you can set goals and take steps towards achieving your desired outcome.
- Read your job description and then read it again.
- Make sure you understand what it is you are being hired to do.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand any of your responsibilities.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up about your skill set if you see an opportunity to contribute to your new company in more or different ways.
- Be prepared on your first day and all the days after.
- Be sure any required certifications are updated, and study up on any skills you’ve featured on your resume but haven’t used in a while.
- Make to-do lists and check off tasks as they are complete. Use a calendar to record meetings, deadlines, and important business dates.
- Try one of these calendar apps for digital planning if you like to have reminders on the go.
- Do a goal-setting workshop.
- Either with your new employer, if they offer those kinds of trainings, or on your own.
- Set goals for 1 month away, 6 months away, a year away, and 5 years away—both work related and personal. How can your job performance help you reach these goals?
- Revisit your goals every month to see what adjustments you need to make in work or personal life to reach them.
- Be adaptable and be resourceful.
- Learn how to mesh with your new environment, and take cues from coworkers about the culture of your new office.
- Adapt your expectations about work life if your new office does not meet them, and cultivate relationships with your superiors so that you can keep communication open.
- Ask for feedback at your one-month mark, set up performance reviews and welcome criticism as an opportunity to improve.
Did you write everything down? Okay! You’re ready to start. Your new career awaits, and you have all the skills you need to do the best job that you can do.
For those of you who haven’t yet made the transition…
You can speak to our representatives at MyComputerCareer to see if an IT career might be right for you. We provide the tools, resources, and support (even after you complete the certification) to help you begin and advance in your career.
Want to see more? Come on over and check us out!