Mastering the Art of the Sideways Career Move: 5 Proven Tips for Success
Do you feel stuck in your current job and want to explore a new path without starting from scratch? If yes, then you are not alone! Many professionals face the same dilemma when trying to change their career path, but fear losing their professional identity or starting their careers over.
However, it is not impossible. With the right mindset and approach, you can make a successful lateral move to a new career path that aligns with your passions and skills while leveraging your existing expertise. Here are five proven tips for mastering the art of a sideways career move!
1. Conduct a Self-Assessment
The first and most important step for making a successful lateral move is to conduct a self-assessment to identify your strengths, interests, and values. Knowing what you are good at, what you enjoy, and what is essential to you will help you identify career paths that align with your preferences and personality.
Ask yourself questions like, “What motivates me?” “What tasks or projects do I enjoy doing most?” “What skills do I excel at?”
By answering these questions, you will gain insight into your natural aptitude and passion, enabling you to find a career path that aligns with your interests.
2. Research Alternative Career Paths
Once you have identified your strengths and interests, the next step is to explore alternative career paths and understand what is required to make a lateral move. Conduct industry research, network with professionals in your desired field, take courses, and participate in events to learn about the industry and opportunities.
Hone your skills in your current role, so you are ready to leverage your expertise in your new career path. Consider volunteering, internships or shadowing professionals to gain valuable insights and experience.
3. Build your Professional Network
Building a strong network plays a crucial role in making any career transition. Reach out to individuals in your desired field or industry and participate in industry events like conferences and webinars.
Joining online communities like LinkedIn and Facebook groups related to your field will help you engage with industry professionals and gain insights into job opportunities. Networking will also help you understand the skills, knowledge, or qualifications required to succeed in your desired field.
4. Leverage your Transferable Skills
Moving to a new career path requires you to leverage your existing skills and experiences. Identifying your transferable skills, such as communication, team management, problem-solving, or project management, can help you convince employers of your suitability for the role.
When updating your resume, highlight relevant skills, experience, and achievements that align with the role to showcase your potential.
5. Learn New Skills
While your transferable skills will come in handy, it is always important to learn new skills required in your new role. Acquiring new knowledge or skills can help you stand out as a candidate and increase your chances of success. Consider taking courses, certifications, or attending training programs related to your desired field.
FAQs
1. What are the challenges of making a lateral move?
Making a lateral move can present challenges like adjusting to a new industry or role, feeling like a beginner again, and finding the right job opportunities that align with your skills.
2. How do I prepare for a lateral move?
Preparing for a sideways career move involves conducting a self-assessment, researching alternative career paths, building a professional network, leveraging transferable skills, and learning new skills to succeed in your new role.
3. How do I showcase my suitability for a sideways move to employers?
Demonstrate your suitability for a lateral move by highlighting your transferable skills and achievements in your job application, preparation for the role, and leveraging your current skills and expertise to excel in your new role.
4. How do I stand out as a candidate when making a lateral move?
To stand out as a candidate for a sideways career move, you need to showcase your passion for the role, demonstrate your motivation, learn new skills, have a robust professional network, and gain relevant experience through volunteering, internships or shadowing.
5. How do I deal with feeling like a beginner in a new industry?
To overcome feeling like a beginner in a new industry, you should have a positive attitude, be adaptable, willing to learn and collaborate, be open to feedback and embrace new challenges.
In Conclusion
Making a successful sideways move comes by making a clear and conscious decision, conducting self-assessments, researching your options, building your network, leveraging transferable skills, learning new skills and believing in yourself. Remember, patience and perseverance will go a long way in achieving success in your new career path. With these tips, you can successfully navigate your career transition and achieve your professional goals. Begin your journey towards a fulfilling career today!