Not doing adequate research when switching careers is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make. This is one of the reasons why people end up with careers that do not make them happy in the end or make them burnt out so badly that they rush again finding another job. If you don’t want to find yourself in the same dilemma, here are some helpful ways to do your research before you decide to explore a brand new career.
Read blogs about the new industry
If you’re considering exploring an entirely new industry, one of the best ways to learn more about it is by reading blogs specific to that industry. As you read through these blogs, try to reflect if you’re really interested about the industry, if you’re going to enjoy learning more about and if it’s what you’re actually passionate about. You can read up on books, too, so that you can further check it the topics pique your interest.
Take up a course
Another excellent way to learn more about an entirely new career is by taking up courses. We get it. The price tag on courses and trainings is expensive but that’s why you may have to look for inexpensive courses. There are several platforms you can check such as Udemy or Coursera. And if you find yourself enjoying it, then you may consider taking up courses that are a bit more pricey.
Leverage LinkedIn
To get a sense of the experiences other people have on a certain industry or career, it would help to look people up on LinkedIn. Check how things were before they decided to take the plunge or what experiences and degree they hold in comparison to yours. Also find out if there are a lot of career changers in a certain field. Some industries are more tightly regulated and require certain licenses and degrees while others are more open and flexible. Be sure to learn as much as you can before deciding to invest in a new career.
Check online reviews
Because the internet is a vast resource of so many types of information, might as well maximize it by checking online reviews as well in doing your research. Browse through reviews about a company to learn more about the careers they offer and also their culture. See if there are positive and negative comments. Dig deeper into how people interact, their work-life balance, any potential red flags and so on.
Switching to a new career is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Avoid having regrets down the line by doing thorough research about a potential new job or profession.
