Guest Post by Roz Kirby Walker (learn more about Roz at the end of this post).
Are you working in the area of your passion? According to a survey conducted by the Gallup Organization, only 20 percent of employees who work in large organizations feel that their strengths are in play every day. If you identify with the 80 percent who feel their strengths are under-utilized in their current career, then perhaps it’s time to make a change.
The thought of changing careers may seem a bit daunting, but making a smooth career transition is possible. With thought, careful planning, and patience, you can follow your career passion and create the work life you want.
Are you ready to become one of the 20 percent who use their strengths daily? Here’s how to ensure you’re ready to make the transition:
Assess Your Skills and Strengths
Identifying the skills you already possess is a great start to discovering your career passion. You undoubtedly possess a great many skills that are transferable. However, many stop there instead of also identifying what strengths they naturally possess. Start by writing down the answer to questions like, What are the things you love to do? What could you do for hours and not notice the time passing? What activities pull your attention and keep it? What are you naturally good at? Think back to your childhood for insight into your true inner passions, and be open and honest in your responses.
Identify Careers That Will Utilize Your Strengths
Now that you’ve assessed your skills and strengths, it’s time to identify careers that are closely aligned with your talents and interest. Seek out mentors in the industries that match your assessed skills and areas of passion. Identify and attend events and conferences within your niche to gain more knowledge and to develop your network.
Gain Experience
Gaining experience in your proposed new field is an ideal way to determine the best career path before having to make a commitment. By seeking out volunteer positions, internships, or apprenticeships, you can try on a career before making a change. One resource to consider is Vocation Vacations, which allows clients to test-drive the job of their dreams by connecting them with professionals in their areas of interest.
Find or Create Your Ideal Position
Are there employers looking for someone with your unique strengths, skills and experience? Research locally and online to identify those employers whose positions match your career goals. Once you have the list in hand, update your resume and begin arranging interviews. Or if you have an entrepreneurial spirit with the drive to create your own position, determine the resources you need to craft your own business.
Keep in mind that a career change can take time, so focus your efforts on finding one that fits your strengths, passion, and lifestyle. By creating a well thought-out plan, you can make a smooth career transition. With research, support, and the willingness to take a leap of faith, you can follow your career passion and create your ideal business life.
Roz Kirby Walker wants you to experience wild success in your business. As CEO of RozKWalker.com, she founded The Savvy Mompreneur to help mom-entrepreneurs build a powerful personal brand, create a magnetic marketing strategy, confidently display and communicate their value with clarity, passion and authenticity, and attract ideal clients. You can connect with Roz at The Savvy Mompreneur.
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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