Are you looking for a career change? A rewarding career may be possible by looking at what you do in your spare time. Most employees switch careers between three and four times in their working lives. People change careers because they want to explore their interests and grow their work. Let’s take, for example, the possibility that you are a finance professional but really enjoy creating pottery. You can use your financial experience to start a pottery business or even sell it online at art fairs. If you have the right plan, your hobbies can become lucrative professions. Are you a golf fanatic? Consider a career in tournament management and/or golf management. There are many online and community colleges that offer training in management. You can imagine yourself as a golf instructor, learning more about the game that you love.
Building a bridge resume is one of the most important steps to changing your career. While your resume is likely to include your marketing skills, consider how your hobby can be included in your resume. Is your hobby represented in any clubs or associations? Is there a club or association that you can join that revolves around your hobby in your area? Be a member. The majority of job leads originate from people you know and not the web or newspapers. Think about your skills and hobbies when rebuilding your resume. What can these skills be used to promote yourself?
Informational interviews are a great way to make connections. Find out who is currently in your field and reach out to them. Most people are willing to spend twenty minutes talking about what they do every day. In an informational interview, it is important to not ask for a job. Instead you should build relationships and find out what skills you might be missing. It is likely that the professional giving you an interview will be more comfortable with you being candid and open if you know they are only looking for information, and not asking about jobs.
Did you ever think of interns? Internships don’t just belong to college students. There are many companies that offer internships. Some even offer a modest pay. You should consider applying for an internship if you have the financial means. This will help you build your portfolio and provide you with practical experience. An internship allows you to see how an industry or business operates. It is possible to decide the industry isn’t for you. Or, you might love it and find a way to inspire others. An internship will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in the industry and help you develop new skills.
Consider your resume a work in progress. Most people won’t update their resume as they acquire experience. Consider your strengths and the ways you can use them in your new career. Although changing careers is a great experience, it can also be challenging. Not everyone has a passion for the same field. Find out your passion and explore the job opportunities in that area. You can join your local baking club or talk to a professional pastry chef if you really want to make a career as a chef. Do you love to golf, but not the level of pro-level swing? Consider the other possible careers in golfing. Visit a school to learn more about how you could make your hobby into a rewarding career that will inspire envy amongst your friends.