Changing Careers: It Can Be Done
May Not Be As Scary As First Thought
We’ve all gotten stuck in rush hour traffic, gridlocked going in a direction that you decide, too late, isn’t the best way to go. You begin to feel that your exit is much too far away. The same exact thing can also happen to your career. You may get going in one direction, going along all nicely then suddenly realize that you’re gridlocked in the wrong accounting and bookkeeping track, seemingly with no exit in sight. But don’t panic. Here are five things you can do to switch lanes and find your way off the road you’re currently traveling and onto the road that’s a better match forwhat you want to do in the accounting field.
Research
First, do your research! A change should only follow much thought and reflection, and a little internet research wouldn’t hurt. It’s important that you take the time to study out the new accounting track you want to enter. Know what’s required for those employed in those type of positions, the experience and expertise needed, whether or not you would be able to move up, and where you might find those types of jobs.
And don’t leave your current position on a whim because you’ve heard collections specialists or credit managers are all the rage. Switching jobs simply because it’s trendy or a friend thinks it’s the most lucrative job around are not good reasons to risk the security of your current position. Change careers because it’s something you really feel strongly about.
Take Inventory
Because you are in the bookkeeping and accounting profession already, many of your skills and experience are transferable. Take inventory of what you now do and, following the research encouraged above, see how it might apply to the position you would like to get. Remember, a lot relies on how you present your skills and experience. If you know what a job requires you can often communicate your ability to do it by showing how your expertise can be properly applied.
A lot of your experience has nothing to do with accounting or bookkeeping but is still seen as valuable by potential employees. Do you have any experience with startups? Small businesses? Big businesses? Large projects? Unsupervised projects? High-pressure work environments? Difficult clients and/or coworkers? Remember these experiences when selling yourself to a potential employer.
Network
Look at your contacts to see if there’s anyone with connections to the type of position you’re looking for. Make an effort to meet people in this new field of interest. You can learn more about general job satisfaction and requirements by talking to others. And once you make solid contacts, they can keep you informed of any openings they become aware of.
Moonlight
Some of the experience that may be required could be obtained after your day job, either in the form of a part-time job or through freelancing work. Not only will this added effort look great on a resume, but it will also show how willing you are to extend yourself in order to break into a new field. That speaks volumes to potential employers of your dedication.
Get Some Training
Increasing your skillset is always a plus. And some of that required experience and expertise can be obtained through a training program. Again, that looks great on your resume and reminds employees of your dedication.
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