Are you considering making a career shift into change management but unsure of how to go about it? Perhaps you've just made the change and looking for some further guidance on the best career moves from here. If you're looking to transition into a new vocation that not only aligns with your passion but also contributes to making a positive impact, then you're in the right place. Changing careers into change management is impact-driven work that can provide true purpose. We'll walk through some key steps to help fuel your thinking as you consider professional development and changing careers into change.
Step 1: Self-Reflection and Goal Setting
Before leaping into a new career focused on creating or managing change, take some time to reflect and ask yourself key questions like:
What are my core values?
What organisational, social or environmental issues am I most passionate about?
How do I define purpose and making a difference in the world?
Millions of people go to meaningful, necessary jobs everyday. But not everyone feels a sense of purpose in their work. Taking some time to think about your core values, and how you derive job satisfaction will help set clear goals and determine the direction of your career transition.
Step 2: Research and Skill Assessment
All careers have their challenges, and change management, advocacy and leadership careers are no different. To truly enjoy a career centred on change and impact requires having the necessary tools and knowledge. Conduct thorough research on industries and organisations that resonate with your values. Assess your current skill set and identify areas where you may need to upskill or acquire new competencies. The key is to find a target role that appeals to you, then bridge the gap between your current capabilities and the skills required in your desired role.
Step 3: Networking and Building Relationships
In change careers, networking plays a significant role. Connect with professionals already working in your target field. Attend industry-related events, workshops, and online forums to expand your network. Join the industry association for ongoing support with competency development as well as access to events and networking opportunities. Building authentic relationships can open doors to potential opportunities and provide valuable insights into the sector of change management.
Step 4: Gain Practical Experience
Nothing beats experience. Hands-on experience is invaluable when transitioning into a new career. But how do you get experience for the first time?
Your network will be crucial as you consider volunteering, internships, or part-time roles in organisations with change projects. You may also consider a sideways move to start with: moving across as a subject matter expert to work on a project will get you closer to the change management environment and expose you to the work involved. You can also volunteer to be a Change Champion, a spokesperson, assist with communications and in many other ways on existing change projects. Practical exposure not only allows you to apply your existing skills in new settings but also demonstrates your commitment to working in change—an attractive trait to potential employers.
Demonstrating that you're committed to excellence in your career by hiring a change management coach is highly attractive to a prospective employer; as they gain reassurance that your learning-on-the-job will be underwritten by access to experienced support. Oftentimes employers offer to take on the payment for career coaching services.
Step 5: Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter
As you take the first steps to apply for roles in your new career path, ensure your application materials highlight your passion for change and align with the values of the organisation you're applying for. Ensure your resume showcases relevant experiences and skills. Tailor your cover letter to the decision criteria and demonstrate how your work experiences contribute to the mission of the advertised role. Make a compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate to drive positive change in the organisation you're applying to.
Step 6: Continuous Learning and Growth
Change management is a people-focussed role that can be quite detailed at times and unstructured at others. This requires professionals to stay informed and adaptable. Commit yourself to continuous learning through workshops, courses, webinars, and industry publications. Keep abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the field to remain competitive and effective in driving meaningful change.
Step 7: Embrace Resilience and Persistence as you Change Careers into Change
Transitioning careers into change may come with initial setbacks. The job market can be volatile, various employers understand change management differently, some employers are less mature and others are more mature in their change management competency. Keep the outcome in mind and stay positive throughout the journey of skills uplift, job search and starting out in your first assignment. Embrace failures as learning opportunities, stay persistent in pursuing your career goals and the goals of the change project, and remember that every small step contributes to the greater change you're seeking to implement.
Try to keep in mind that transitioning careers into change is not just about finding a job—but aligning better to your values and purpose. Embarking on a career change into creating positive change for others is a noble aim that requires dedication, self-reflection, and continuous growth. By getting help when you need it, and staying true to your values, you can enjoy a career that not only fulfils you but also contributes to better organisational outcomes where you have the power to make a difference.
To discover the support we offer for your career in change, book an introductory call with Agencia Change.
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