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By Susan Hoffman
Edge Managing Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to rethink their lives and careers. In fact, millions of workers are quitting their jobs as the pandemic eases, according to Andrea Hsu of National Public Radio. This shift is becoming known as the “Great Resignation.”

Hsu notes, “As pandemic life recedes in the U.S., people are leaving their jobs in search of more money, more flexibility and more happiness. Many are rethinking what work means to them, how they are valued, and how they spend their time.” Consequently, some people are thinking about a career change.

Making a Career Change Requires Considerable Thought and Effort

If you’re considering a career change, however, it is essential to do your due diligence and think through all of the elements involved for the transition into a different career or industry. Here are seven questions to ask yourself before a career change:

  1. Why do I want to change careers? Consider why you want to leave the job you currently have. Do you want to leave an unpleasant work environment or gain a bigger paycheck? Are you seeking a job that will offer you a better work-life balance and utilize all of the skills you possess?
  2. What hard and soft skills do I have that would be suited to a different career? Ideally, you should have both hard and soft skills, such as a knowledge of various software programs, a high degree of organization, and oral/written communication skills. Also, think about whether you have transferable skills that could prove useful in a different job or industry.
  3. Have I done all of the necessary research? If you have your heart set on a specific type of job, have you done research on all of the knowledge, skills and abilities that job would involve? Having a good LinkedIn network can be helpful in this situation; you can reach out to people who already hold the type of position you seek and ask for their advice about the day-to-day realities of their work life.
  4. What will be the short-term and long-term effects of a different job? If you’re seeking a job with a higher salary and more responsibilities, for instance, you may have to put in longer work hours. That, in turn, can affect your work-life balance. Some positions may require a longer commute, or you might be able to work remotely either full-time or part-time, depending upon your employer.
  5. What type of work am I passionate about? Think about what brings you the most satisfaction in your professional life. Do you like solving problems, helping people or other similar work?
  6. What employers offer the type of position I’d like to find? Do you want to work for a big corporation, or do you prefer small companies that feel like a family? Would you rather work for the government at the local, state or federal level? The responsibilities of the job you seek will vary, depending upon the type of employer and the employer’s needs.
  7. What are the everyday realities of the job for which I’m applying? Typically, a job advertisement is a wish list of the knowledge, skills and abilities the employer seeks in a job candidate. But it’s also important to consider all of the elements of a job: its benefits, the commute (if the position is not remote), the internal culture, work-life balance and the potential salary. Again, having a network on LinkedIn comes in handy; you can reach out to current or previous employees at an organization to get their thoughts about the internal culture at the company.

Consult Career Services for Help with Your Research and Job Hunting

The University’s Career Services Department offers multiple complimentary career-related services for current AMU/APU students and alumni, including:

  • Career exploration interest assessments
  • Career coaching
  • Mock interviews
  • Resume reviews
  • Virtual Career Fairs at intervals throughout the year
  • Career guides
  • Job boards
  • Social media reviews

To learn more about how Career Services can assist you, send an email or log into the student/alumni ecampus.

Whether you are retiring from the military, transitioning from the classroom, or simply looking to move into the public service field, identifying and communicating your military service and other skills to potential employers is essential. However, translating your skills can be a daunting task. While you may possess the necessary experience, not properly communicating what you have to offer can be detrimental to your job search. Here are some tips and advice on how to communicate your skills to employers.

Are you considering changing careers? AMU criminal justice professor, Dr. Ron Wallace, shares the different phases of his career and how he went from being a parole/probation officer to finding his next passion, which was providing technology solutions for correctional facilities. After a downturn in the economy, he decided to go back to school and the rest is history. What lessons can you learn from Dr. Wallace’s experience changing careers?

By Adrienne Erin
Contributor, Online Career Tips

Finding a job is one of the steps that many adults must take once they finish their education. However, getting that job is another matter. Even if you’re switching careers, the work experience you had in the past may be inapplicable now.

Interview with Barbara Ellis
Manager, Corporate and Strategic Relationships in Retail Management at American Public University

For those unfamiliar with the retail industry you may not know about the available career opportunities. The options go beyond working behind a register. Retail doesn’t have to be a stepping stone to another industry, instead it could lead to some great leadership positions in a fast growing field.

By Adrienne Erin
Online Career Tips, Contributor

Finding the right career can be difficult for anyone. Changing midway through the educational process or at any point in life can seem like a crazy move that’s not worth the effort.

By Lisa Quast, Forbes.com
Special to Online Career Tips

Obtaining constructive criticism can be a powerful exercise. For some, it may confirm the perceptions they already had of themselves. Others will find it to be an eye-opening experience. For the most part, you’ll find that people feel flattered to be a part of your proactive personal development.