|
As I noted last month, I am occasionally asked to help professionals
in various fields with their careers. People most often seek advice
on how to break into management and how to transition into a new discipline.
Last month I talked about developing your leadership skills if you
want to make the transition into management. This month, I'll share
some thoughts about transitioning into a new discipline.
Timing the Change
Unfortunately, too many people attempt a career change while in the
midst of a bad stretch in their current career or as a reaction to an
external event such as being laid off. So if you're considering a career
change because of external pressures, wait and consider some of the
following:
- What is it about your proposed new career that will yield different
results?
- How have you changed or grown to create different results in your
new career?
- Are the industries that rely on people in your new career on an
upswing?
If you don't know the answers to these questions, don't make your move
until you do.
Research shows that over 70% of professional workers nationwide make
at least one career change in their lifetimes. Since it is likely that
you're going to end up in a career different from your current one,
be proactive about your transition and time it to take advantage of
both you and your target industry at their best.
Determining your Unique Selling Proposition
Whether you're attempting a mid-career change or you're just starting
out, it's important for you to understand what you offer that is unique
to you and how your unique selling proposition (USP) positions you for
a seamless transition to a new career.
The following are steps you can take to determine your USP:
- Begin by looking at where your work comes from.
If you're transitioning from Technical Communication to Usability,
at least 80% of your work likely comes from engineers. Engineers
are a perfect audience for you to develop and practice your usability
skills. When you make your change, look for an engineer-rich environment
to make a more seamless transition.
- Ask yourself what is distinctly different about you versus candidates
who have a track record of practicing in your transition career.
Don't forget to list those skills only someone with your background
can bring to the table.
Once you've listed those skills, which of them are most (a) "
important to your future manager and customers (who could be end-users)
and (b) easily conveyed to your future manager (who initially will
be the hiring team who reviews your résumé and so
on through the hiring process)
-
Create a statement-your unique selling proposition-that is memorable
and encapsulates the preceding points.
- Determine all of the ways you can incorporate your USP into your
personal marketing.
Remember: Landing your next great career is all about successfully
marketing yourself to your next boss. So, make sure that every element
of your career transition arsenal is branded to consistently represent
you in your new role.
Making Your Own Luck
In April 2004 I wrote an article about how to make your own luck (http://stc-sd.org/newsletter/april_2004/feature.htm).
Many of the points I make in that article are applicable to those of
you who want to change the direction of your career:
- Know what you're about.
- Sing your own praises.
- Get others to toot your horn.
- Connect the dots.
By following the tips in this month's column and in those I offer in
"Making Your Own Luck," you will make the change to your new
career just fine!
If you have questions about being an independent consultant or how
to perform as though you are a consultant, e-mail me at thinking@dghenterprise.com.
I will share your questions and my answers in a future column. Until
next issue, take care!
|
