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Media Relations

In need of a career tweak or change? We can help

Boredom. Anxiety. Restlessness. A sense of dread. If these terms describe your feelings at work, don't be afraid to make a change, said Amy Gregor, coordinator of career services at the Indiana University Alumni Association. She regularly communicates with alumni who are making career changes.

"Career change is a natural life progression. Most studies show that the average job seeker will change careers -- not just jobs -- several times over the course of his or her lifetime," she said.

But before you turn in your pink slip, take some time to carefully assess the situation.

"It is very difficult to find satisfaction if you don't know what you need," Gregor said.

Do you need a radical leap or just a tweak?

Gregor recommends starting with a self-assessment of likes and dislikes about your current position. Are there certain aspects that you do enjoy? Get specific about your list of grievances. Are the hours too long? Are you bored? Is the pay too low? Do you wish you had a healthier balance between work and family life? Does your job match your values?

You might find that some of the negatives can be addressed within your current position.

"It is possible that your boss has no idea you are unhappy and would be perfectly willing to change things if you propose a new plan," Gregor said.

She also noted that certain habits tend to make people unhappy at their jobs regardless of the circumstances.

"If you never take a lunch, have poor time management skills, and never use your vacation time, most people will burn out. If you bring that approach to another job or career you may continue to have the same levels of dissatisfaction," she said.

She also listed assertiveness and a willingness to delegate as essential skills for job satisfaction.

Once you're certain you need to leave, start taking steps to transition as soon as possible, Gregor said.

"Don't wait until you are at the point where you are so frustrated you're willing to burn bridges," she said.

Rediscover your passion

Equally important, Gregor says, is to think of times when you felt most successful. Ask yourself what you really love to do. What's the best thing about your profession? What is your passion? What do you do for fun? If you didn't care about what anyone thought, what would be your highest aspiration? Answering these questions can help you get a sense of what career path to pursue.

"If you've analyzed your likes and dislikes, but you're still not sure what career path to take, consider taking a career assessment. The key is investing in the time to rediscover yourself, and using your self-assessment to steer your new career search," she said.

"You're never starting from scratch"

Once you have discovered your passion, be sure to take the time to assess the skills you already possess. You may be surprised to see that you already hold many skills -- and well-earned experiential knowledge -- that will directly apply to your new career. In some cases it may help to pursue further education, but many career changes are possible without going back to school, Gregor said.

"You are never starting from scratch," she said. "Try to stop identifying yourself as a job title like 'accountant' or 'programmer' and learn to talk proudly about your skills and strengths that can apply in any situation. For example, you could say, 'I am good at problem-solving and presentations.' You have worked, gained experiences, earned a degree, and you have success stories to tell. So many talents are transferable across career fields."

Gregor recently talked to a psychotherapist who wants to become a marketing executive, a production worker who wants an office job, and an entrepreneur looking for a position with a major corporation. Each of these individuals has experience they can draw on to secure these positions, she said.

"If you are a counselor and you want to get into sales and marketing, you can emphasize your understanding of people's needs and strong ability to build relationships. If you've been working in a production setting, you know how to work as a team and you may have some experience teaching others. If you are an entrepreneur and want to go work for someone else, you can demonstrate your creativity and leadership," she said.

Some positions may require more education, but don't assume the requirements listed in job postings are always set in stone, Gregor said.

"The truth is that employers want to hire the right candidate, so do not underestimate yourself. If you have the knowledge, skills, and experience you may consider contacting the employer." she said.

Others have done it and so can you

Don't just dive into the help wanted ads, Gregor said. Test the waters by talking with people who work in various career fields.

"Most individuals are happy to chat and describe their typical workday, what projects they have accomplished, and the type of skills that are needed in the type of position," she said.

College or university alumni associations are a great place to start looking for contacts or mentors, Gregor said. The IUAA offers many key networking resources, including an alumni online directory, an alumni-to-alumni mentoring program and more than 100 alumni chapters worldwide. Through numerous activities and events each year, the network of regional alumni chapters provide IU graduates with numerous opportunities to network, assist their local communities, and socialize.

Gregor cautions that while these types of contacts are ideal for information gathering, it's best to wait on asking for help with your job search until you've established a stronger relationship.

"When making a networking connection, it is important not to begin the conversation by asking for a job," Gregor said. "Information and advice should be the only things you ask for when you meet people through informational interviewing. But you may find that over time, someone may know someone who knows someone who is recruiting for your dream job."

Getting support during transition

"During this time it may be helpful to talk about your plan with the people you trust most, such as your family, friends, alumni contacts, pastor, trusted counselor, financial advisors, and maybe even your doctor," Gregor said. "It will be important to gain support during any times of transition."

Ultimately, many individuals find that seeing a career counselor or coach is helpful to take assessments and make a career transition plan. Some of the IU campuses offer career counseling for alumni. Links for each campus are at http://alumni.indiana.edu/career/resources.shtml.

IU alumni can find more information and resources at the IU Alumni Association Career Services Web site, http://www.iualumnicareers.com. (Alumni Association membership is required to access many of these resources.) In October 2007, the IUAA will be launching an online career management program called CareerBeam that will give IUAA members access to take online assessments, build resumes and cover letters, and research career fields and employers.

Other online resources include:

The Riley Guide -- A gateway site that can take you from self-assessment to career exploration and job leads, http://www.rileyguide.com

O*NET, The Occupational Information Network -- Skills assessment, followed by occupation lists and analysis on the fit with your interests, skills, aptitudes, values and work activities, http://www.online.onetcenter.org

The Job Hunter's Bible: What Color Is Your Parachute? -- Richard Bolles presents links to resume, cover letter, networking and research sites, as well as advice on expectations and reality, http://www.jobhuntersbible.com

Business Week Online -- Business and career management articles from current and recent issues, http://www.businessweek.com

Career Journal -- Career management information and additional resources from the publishers of The Wall Street Journal, http://www.careerjournal.com

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