Changing Career Successfully:

There are a number of key considerations when looking to make a successful career transition.

• Transferable skills and experience – translating your skills and experience to civilian life so people can understand the transferable skills and experience you have is extremely important.
• New occupation, new industry – it is far easier to change occupation OR industry than changing both at the same time. Would a stepping stone approach be the most realistic way for you to achieve your ideal career?
• Research – research your chosen new career thoroughly. Build up your knowledge  - who are the key players, what makes them successful, how is the industry changing, what skills and experience will you need etc.
• Build your network – build up a list of relevant contacts in your chosen industry. Networking is very important and doesn’t need to be the hard sell that people often associate with networking. Contact your own personal network to see who works in your chosen career – you will be amazed by the number of friends of friends who could potentially help you.
• Hidden job market – a lot of jobs aren’t advertised – newly created positions, positions in small, energetic companies etc. This is the hidden job market and networking can be an effective way of opening yourself up to it.
• Gaining work experience – this is something we would highly recommend. Even if it is for a short period, it will give you some key insights into your chosen career and some useful contacts.
• Action Plans and Goal setting – absolutely key to a successful career transition. You will need clear, concise and realistic goals.

To view some useful publications go to the next page.