Designer Career Transitions: How to Make a Smooth Transition

Understand Your Professional Transitions:

Making a smooth transition from one career to another is possible, but it takes time and concerted effort. First, you need to identify the reasons for making the change. Think about where you want to take your career, how you can be most successful, and what skills you need to make your move. Once you’ve clarified your goals and know what’s next, it's time to create a transition plan to make your career dreams a reality.

Research potential industries and the roles they offer. Make connections within those job functions. Look through job postings and résumés to gain more insights on what skills employers are seeking. Keep an eye on trends and changes within the industry, as they can help to inform your career transition.

Decide What Steps to Take to Achieve Your Goal:

When outlining your roadmap, consider what is necessary to take your career to the next level. Deciding to transition can feel both empowering and overwhelming, so it is important to break your transition into manageable steps such as:

• Networking to build relationships with other professionals
• Updating your résumé, portfolio, or your professional website
• Reaching out to recruiters who can help you find your next job
• Taking classes to learn and develop new skills
• Volunteering to sharpen your existing skills and discover new ones
• Attending industry events to make contacts

Develop Actionable Steps to Make This Career Change Happen:

When making a smooth career transition, taking actionable steps helps you stay focused on reaching your goals and maintaining momentum in moving forward. Here are a few suggestions to make this change a reality:

• Determine the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the new career.
• Research how to best acquire those new skills or credentials.
• Set a timeline for yourself to reach the new career destination.
• Polish your résumé and portfolio to showcase your skills and background.
• Find job postings that match your skills and submit an application.
• Attend networking events, industry functions and seminars to make contacts.
• Broaden your support system by finding key advisors and mentors.

Conclusion:

Making a career transition takes time, effort and patience. If you are dedicated to the process, have a clear vision, seek help when you need it, and take actionable steps, you will be a strong candidate for the transition. Remember to remain focused and continue to put effort into creating an attainable timeline to make that transition a reality. Good luck!