If you are feeling underwhelmed by the prospect of another year in the same job, it’s time to assess whether you need a change of workplace or career to put a spring back in your step on the way to work, a QUT careers expert says.Professor Wendy Patton, executive dean of Queensland University of Technology’s Faculty of Education, said if a New Year’s resolution was to make a career change the first thing to dowas determine if you wanted to change for the right reasons.
“A career change is a drastic move that has enormous implications for finances and relationships so you have to ask yourself: ‘is it, I don’t want to do this anymore or I don’t want to do this here?’” Professor Patton said.
“The main trigger for a career change is wanting something more out of your work – you are not satisfied, or what inspired you is not there anymore.”
Professor Patton said people who knew they were not happy in their work and needed some kind of change should consult a career counsellor.
“Perhaps you are better suited to being self-employed; perhaps you still enjoy the area of work or the workplace you are in but need to work at a higher level; or you and your interests have changed and you want to work in an entirely different field – a career counsellor can help you work this out,” she said.
“Career counsellors assess your personality and temperament and look at your strengths and interests.
“They help you decide about reinvigoration of your current career to make it more stimulating and satisfying or whether it is best to work through alternative career options.
“They also have the ability to help you with the practical things you have to do to change careers.”
Professor Patton said traditional careers were linear and vertical but now careers had a more cyclical component.
“It is wise to take stock and look for opportunities by constantly scanning your field and keeping up with technology and process changes,” she said.
“Remember your currency in a workplace is your skill level and being up-to-date and so you must engage in professional development as fully as you can.”
People looking for a career change should consider growth areas such as services for the ageing population, health and allied health and education, Professor Patton said.
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1841 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
I agree, after I did my Masters in Marketing a few years ago I went to see a recruitment agents supposedly specialising in corporate recruitment and, after telling them I have a Masters degree (and was awarded the University award for academic excellence) was told “none of our employers have asked for anyone with a Masters”. I pointed out, I thought rather redundantly, that while they may not have asked for people with a Masters Degree they may find that extra effort and level of education of interest. Of note the recruitment officer I was talking to was in her early 20s and probably needed a little more experience. Since then however the Masters degree has opened up a few other doors for me.
Moral of the story: It’s a competitive world, dont expect change to happen fast (although it may :)), expect to meet people who will be very unhelpful, but always keep improving and know that in the long-run your efforts will pay off. I think there’s a story about a tortoise and hare that sums it up pretty well :)
Career counsellors tell you what you want to hear. I was told I could go after anything I set my mind to and I’d get it but I’m still looking for my dream job. Besides, with the current economy not looking its best and brightest, people choose to stay where they are no matter how dissatisfied, simply because there aren’t enough opportunities available out there. However, this research might boost people’s sense of hope in the possibilities that await for those determined and driven enough:)