For some fortunate individuals, a job that fits like a glove is secured either right after high school, in college or beyond. It is as if the position was tailor-made specifically for them. However, there is a significant number of people who do not quite manage to find their ideal occupation. They may have initially started with good intentions, but life may have taken an unanticipated turn. Alternatively, they may have encountered unsympathetic superiors that forced them to abandon their aspirations.
What could be the reasons behind this situation? Is it due to a shortage of opportunities, or were there some unfavorable decisions that affected it? Could it be that their luck was simply not in their favor?
Regardless of the reasons, it is of little importance as long as you are willing to invest your time and effort.
Having worked as an accountant for over a decade, I began to sense that something was amiss. The 9 to 5 routine and the unsuitable atmospheres at some of the startups I was associated with left me feeling increasingly frustrated, rendering it difficult to devote ample time with my loved ones. I no longer found tasks such as creating financial reports, working on spreadsheets, or obtaining a chartered certification interesting. Nonetheless, as a manager in various industries, I was able to gain valuable knowledge that gave me a glimpse into the sales process, managing a successful project, and profit recording. I was seeking more out of life, and thus, I resolved to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion for IT. It was the right decision for me, and now, I enjoy more time, money, happiness, and purpose than ever before.
It gives me immense pleasure to share my transition from the accounting field to project management and product ownership.
To make things more feasible, here are the seven fundamental aspects that can guarantee a successful career transition:
- Prior to changing professions, it is crucial to contemplate the reasons for it. Take a moment to introspect honestly about what you need in the current scenario, and how your previous and current positions could not fulfill those needs. Evaluate your work performance and whether it is of high quality or if you are simply mirroring what others are doing. Consider how accomplishing your professional objective would influence the rest of your life. Answering these questions will aid in making an informed decision and beginning your journey in the correct direction.
Evaluate your transferable skills:
Transferable skills are competencies that can be useful in various occupations and industries. A well-rounded set of skills should encompass technical proficiency and interpersonal flexibility, such as effective communication, critical thinking, multitasking, numerical expertise, leadership, problem-solving, and computer literacy. Other examples of transferable skills consist of accounting, administration, and management, which are established professional disciplines and abilities that can be taught. Having coding skills is not mandatory to switch to IT, as comprehending the basics of technology and its practical applications is crucial for thriving in existing and upcoming roles.Engage in Education:
It is crucial to invest in yourself by obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications for the profession you wish to pursue. Commence by making use of the free resources that are available and begin with an entry-level role to cultivate your transferable skills. With the help of the internet, you can find almost any course for free to keep up to date with the industry trends. In my case, when I decided to transition to the IT sector, I started researching Scrum and Agile methodologies and enrolled in multiple courses on LinkedIn. Combining these skills with my existing ones helped me secure an interview with a software company within six months. My stint at Google gave me the opportunity to obtain Product Management and Google Project Management Accreditations.Tools:
It is crucial to have the appropriate tools to accomplish your job, in addition to receiving the necessary training. Tools can be beneficial in simplifying routine tasks and enhancing our overall efficacy. Depending on the objective, there is a plethora of equipment available, ranging from laptops to internet connections. Renowned organizations such as Adobe, Google, and Microsoft offer a multitude of tools. Moreover, techniques, procedures, formulas, ideas, and technologies related to your field within the tech industry should also be taken into account.Suggestions:
Suggestions tend to be universal. Here are three pieces of advice that proved to be useful during my transition:- Establish modest goals consistently
- Push yourself out of your comfort zone
- Expanding your understanding and expertise through extensive reading is critical. Being inquisitive and receptive to learning is vital for making progress in any area. Therefore, it is vital to keep yourself informed about the latest advancements and trends in your field. Reading cannot be stressed enough as a means of broadening your knowledge.
Analyze your routines and assess if they require modifications.
Habits develop from repeated actions and patterns. Our routines can influence our accomplishments, regardless of whether we are just starting, midway through, or have already reached our destination. To achieve our objectives, we must consistently perform the same actions.Participate in Pleasurable Activities:
Hobbies can be advantageous for our lives, but not all pastimes are suitable for everyone. The most crucial factor in choosing an activity is that it is something you enjoy doing outside of work. If your daily schedule involves sitting at a desk, but you desire movement, you may want to select an activity that allows you to sit and move simultaneously. This is why it is vital to pursue what brings you the most joy, such as reading, art, learning a new language or instrument, maintaining a diary, gardening, and other similar activities. With the elevation of remote working, the distinction between our professional and personal lives has become blurred. Having hobbies that you enjoy can help you maintain a healthy equilibrium between your work and leisure time. Take a respite from your job and its pressures and explore the numerous activities accessible to you until you discover one that you relish.
Although changing professions may require significant effort, it can ultimately be worthwhile when you secure the ideal job for yourself.
