How Do You Change Careers?

Five long years ago I made the decision that it’s time for a career change. From plain journalist to something more interesting, aka mixing communications/journalism with marketing, public relations and research. So step one meant doing a Certificate in Public Relations although I already did more advanced public relations units at university. I did it anyway to have it as a refresher. Then it was time for the bigger step… university, again, and this time to do the marketing part on a higher level.

I don’t know if you know but university resumes on Monday for me. It will be my last semester if all goes as expected. I will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (Marketing) which I could hopefully plant on a business card one day as PGradDipCom(Mktg). I have chosen two research units as my final two units. One runs for three hours after work hours and the other runs for an hour in the morning later in the week.

I love research and I’m looking forward to these two units which will contribute towards career change. I hope I can handle both, since they are both full on, including the writing of over 6000 words or more per report and prior to that I need to read and reference 30-something journal articles! Sometimes I wonder: Why on Earth am I doing this to myself?

Then I look at my life and remind myself that I’m doing this because research and writing are my passion and that doing what I love means a better career and a better future. I will be happier. I’m hoping. And that’s my dream!

I’ve been playing things a bit safe in the last two years but the end of this journey is coming near… growing nearer every day. I’ve been working in a role that pretty much has nothing to do with where I want to be. It’s time to start thinking about the future and how I’m going to get closer to my dream.

When I look out there at the people working in the field, I ache for the same. I ache to find my place in the world of marketing, research and the arts of academic and non-academic writing. Where is that place? I wonder. Will it be easy or hard to find it?  Who would I be up against during interview periods? Would I be good in front of the bosses? Would I succeed? How many times would I need to write applications and audition for a role? And when I get it, would I even like it? Would I kick arse? I hope I can look at what I’ve done and be able to say “I’m doing it, I’m going somewhere!”

But the fear is always there. No matter how much confidence we have, the fear is there like a shadow. We can only try our very best and hope the future holds rewards for us. So that’s what I plan to do, first with my studies and then with my job-hunt. The fact that I don’t know what’s going to happen is killing me and definitely stressing me a bit. –sigh-

The big question also floating in my head is: should I start looking now or should I wait till I finish my course? The last time I graduated was in 2002 and I got a job right away after I sent my very first cover letter! So would I get lucky this time and would employers appreciate my achievements? I think I need a ‘How-to’ guide to a successful career change.

If you are a recruiter and have any suggestions or tips, please leave a comment below or contact me.

What do you think I should do? How do you change careers?

{image adapted by Silly Mummy}