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I decided to pull a YOLO (You Only Live Once) earlier this year and pivot my career. I worked in college athletics for the last five years and grew tired of navigating the struggle that came with being underpaid and overworked. I needed to take my skill for storytelling and put it into a career that brought me more fulfillment.
While I was passionate about enhancing the student-athlete experience, I often took an interest in marketing. I found myself taking on additional passion projects outside of my job responsibilities that included content creation, marketing, and communication strategy. So, I switched, kicked, and pivoted my career to Digital Marketing and Communications. Basically, what I already do here, storytelling but with a strategy!
My pivot didn't happen overnight. TBH, I was nervous and hesitant about starting over. However, with patience, courage, and trust, I doubled down and pursued change. If you are looking to make a career change, here are a 3 tips that can set you up for success:
1. Assess the risk: How will this pivot impact my pockets?
Pivoting your career can come with several risks, but the most important and obvious risk is compensation. The first thing I considered when assessing the feasibility of making a career change is--how will this pivot impact my pockets? Fortunately, I have an amazing manager that supports my career goals and interests so, the risk was low. I was able to strategically identify projects throughout the year that allowed me to build upon my existing digital marketing skills as well as take professional development courses to learn new skills.
2. Assess your strengths: What am I already good at?
The most important question to ask yourself is --how can I use my strengths including the transferable skills I have gained thus far to propel my career forward? Personally, I know I had a knack for storytelling, my responsibility was to learn which forum worked best for me. Be it storytelling through content creation, graphic design, writing, etc.
We all have gifts. Your responsibility is to learn which gifts can be transformed into a fulfilling career. But this takes time so be patient.
3. Define a Strategy: What is the plan?
A strategic vision is what distinguishes a good career pivot from a great career pivot. When looking to pivot your career, you should consider:
- scheduling informational interviews with people in the industry you are interested in
-taking professional development courses to enhance your skills
- identifying your ideal job description and strategically finding opportunities to incorporate into your current role.
- identify a career transition timeline
- set S.M.A.R.T. career goals
My rule of thumbs is, save your energy for your strategy. While it is impossible to plan for everything, it is equally essential to develop goals for your career transition.
Change can be uncomfortable yet necessary. And the idea of starting a career from scratch can be even more scary. However, pivoting your career is also about putting your happiness and fulfillment at the forefront of your decision making. If you are considering making a career change, I say go for it. You owe yourself that much.
Outfit Details:
A.L.C. Dress and purse- thrifted
Shoes - sold here
