Q: I graduated from college a year ago with a psychology degree. My original career path was nursing, but I had to change because of monetary reasons. I am now working as a receptionist for an IT company. I feel like I have no career path at all. I am now thinking about leaving this job and working in a hospital. But I am afraid to take a risk, again because of monetary reasons. Any advice on how I can make this transition?
I think there are two issues here. One is about money and one is about finding a career that will make you happy.
It’s common to have concerns about money, but it sounds like you are letting money totally drive your career choices. While money is a very important factor in determining your path, it is only one factor and should not become your only motivator. I recommend that you read some books on this topic, so you can feel more empowered. Check out The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke by Suze Orman and Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties by Beth Kobliner
The other issue is about making a successful career change. Here is a collection of the best strategies I’ve observed in successful and happy career changers at all levels:
1. Become an expert on the industry you want to change into. Subscribe to industry magazines and e-newsletters, join trade associations and search the web for the names of the hospitals and executives at the top of the field. Learn the lingo of your new business—in your case, hospitals—so you sound like an insider even before you attempt to make the change.
2. Build a fresh network. Talk to anyone and everyone who works in the field you want to enter. Ask people out for coffee, attend networking events, beg everyone you know for referrals. Then, interview these people about how they got started, what experience is a “must” in their industry, how much you can expect to earn, what experience you should highlight on your resume, etc. Most people will be happy to share their wisdom as long as you’re polite and show your gratitude.
3. Learn how to talk confidently about your change. If you’re not projecting passion and belief in your career change, then no one else will perceive your change as realistic. Not Convincing: “Well, I’m thinking about switching from IT to health care, but I’m worried I’ll have to start in the mail room. Do you think I have a chance?” Convincing: “I’ve decided to pursue a health care career. I’m a great team player and very detail-oriented. How would you recommend I approach the transition?”
4. Be more than willing to learn. If people consistently tell you that you need a certain degree, a certain class credit or a certain skill set to enter the profession you want, then you must do this. With online learning, community colleges and adult education programs, you can find almost any course you need to fit your schedule and budget.
To make your transition as fast and painless as possible, combine all of the above tips simultaneously. And remember this: Career change is absolutely, positively, 100% possible. People do it every day. And the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll be settled happily in your fabulous new career. Good luck!
