How to change careers and the importance of your networks when you do this
Deciding to change careers can be daunting. With death, divorce, and moving house, changing careers is one of the most stressful times you will face, and there are many things to consider before making the jump.
One of the essential factors in making a successful career change is networking with the right people. Your peers can provide great advice, market intelligence, and support throughout your transition.
Am I ready?
Changing careers is a big step that should not be taken lightly. There are numerous factors to consider, and it is critical to ask yourself whether you are truly prepared for the change.
- Are you able and willing to put in the time and effort required to learn new skills?
- Are you prepared to begin at the bottom and work your way up?
- Can you handle the financial insecurity that may come with a career change?
All of these are important questions to consider before making a decision. To answer these questions, try to figure out what you want to accomplish and what is the deeper motivation for you to take that risk.
It may be time for a change if you feel burnt out or unfulfilled in your current role. But it’s vital to ensure that you’re changing for the right reasons. Are you looking for a new challenge? More money? Better work/life balance? Once you’ve decided that a change is needed, it’s time to start thinking about the next step.
What is the right next step?
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to make a career change, the next step is to carefully consider all of your options. This involves taking the time to research different industries and job types and determining what kinds of roles would be a good fit for your skills and experience.
It is also important to think about your long-term goals and whether or not a particular career move will help you to achieve them.
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you can look for opportunities that align with your goals. Keep in mind that changing your career can be a considerable risk, so it is crucial to be sure that you are prepared for the challenges that come with it.
Which organization is right?
Peers play an essential role in helping individuals succeed in a career change. Peers can provide support and advice and act as a sounding board for exploring new ideas. Joining an organization such as a professional association can also be beneficial, as it can provide access to resources and networking opportunities.
It’s often been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. This, of course, is especially true when it comes to your career. The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your professional development and future success.
That’s why choosing a business organization that will help you find peers that will add value to your career is essential.
But how do you find these organizations and choose one that fits?
There are a few different ways to find networking opportunities when changing careers. One way is to join LinkedIn networking groups. These groups can be a great way to connect with other professionals in your industry and learn about new opportunities.
However, finding the right group to help you build your career can also be time-consuming and challenging. After all, you want to be surrounded by people that can play an active role in supporting and, at times, pushing you in the direction that is beneficial to achieving your own goals.
While LinkedIn networking groups can be a great way to connect with other professionals and learn about new opportunities, trying to keep up with multiple groups at once can be overwhelming.
Peer Groups
Another option is to join a peer group. These groups are typically smaller and more focused than LinkedIn networking groups. They can be an excellent source of personalized advice and support from other professionals undergoing a similar transition.
The right peer group can provide a valuable source of information and insights. Members of a peer group are likely to be familiar with the same challenges and opportunities, making it easier to exchange ideas and find solutions.
In addition, peer groups can act as a sounding board for new ideas, allowing members to get feedback and perspective on their plans.
But when it comes to networking, not all peer groups are created equal. So, how can you tell if a particular group is right for you?
Here are a few questions to consider:
-Does the group have a positive, supportive culture?
-Are members actively engaged in helping each other achieve their goals?
-Do the members have diverse backgrounds and perspectives?
-Is the group open to new members and willing to help them settle in?
If you answered yes to the above questions, you’ve found a group worth your time and effort. Joining a supportive, thriving network, such as the EGN peer group, will do wonders for your career development – so don’t hesitate to seek out the right peer group for you.
Recruiters
Finally, you can also work with recruiters. Recruiters can help narrow your search and connect you with opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
However, keep in mind that recruiters frequently work on behalf of employers, so their top priority is finding candidates who meet the needs of the employer. This means that they may not always have your best interests in mind.
Conclusion
Peers play a critical role in your career for many reasons. They have most likely been through what you are currently experiencing and can offer great advice. We can learn a lot from their successes and mistakes to make better career choices.
They can also provide market intelligence that you may not be privy to. Additionally, they can help you get the right people to represent you. This is important because the right representation can make all the difference in how your career progresses.
If you want to connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners who can help you grow your business and accomplish your goals, the EGN peer group may be a great option. Connect with us today to learn more about how joining the EGN peer group can benefit your business.
