If you are looking for a career change, or to enhance your current career, it is important to research the wide range of options to choose from. Once you have decided on what type of change best suits you, it is time to start researching those options.
There are many ways to go about researching information. You will need to carry out the most well suited career planning option; a few techniques are listed below, usually it is effective to use all these options:
Networking - Obtaining information from people is a great way to gather information on career options that interest you. For example, using a new work position as your goal, you are more likely to get a realistic view on what the position entails and what you should expect by talking with an individual who has experience in that field.
Online Resources - The internet is a great tool for researching information. Whether you are looking into an educational program or an interesting line of work, the resources are endless.
Mentoring Program - The new Government Mentoring Program is a great opportunity to speak with, and learn from someone with invaluable experience. Similar to networking, this program allows you to gain a realistic view of different areas of a position, if that is what you would like to get out of the mentoring relationship.
Once you have finished identifying the different opportunities available to you, it is time to explore each possibility. This next step consists of questions to consider while researching your new career path:
- What are the future employment prospects? Is there demand for this job?
- What does this job consist of on a day-to-day basis?
- What kinds of skills are required?
- What is the pay range for this type of work?
- What is the cost to this developmental program. Time wise and financially.
Once you have completed the research phase it is time for you to take the next step in career planning, setting goals.