Career transitions are an inevitable part of professional life, and it is completely normal to feel like an imposter or experience fear and anxiety when stepping into something new. Whether you are starting a new job, shifting careers, transitioning out of the military, or launching a passion project, those doubts often show up uninvited. But here is the truth, everyone starts out somewhere.
Instead of waiting to feel “ready,” start before you are! Trust yourself to figure things out along the way. The key to navigating career transitions, and thriving through them, is confidence. Confidence built on clarity, preparation, and resilience. Take the leap. You are more capable than you think.
Recognize When It’s Time for a Change
It is important to identify your why when you make a move within your career. Understanding why you are making a career shift or change will help alleviate some of the natural stressors that accompany the journey. Some common reasons for making a career shift may include:
- Lack of fulfillment or purpose
- Desire for better work-life balance
- Growth or advancement opportunities
- Shift from military to a civilian role
- Burnout or stagnation
- New interests or passions
- Transitioning from college into the workforce
Clarify Your Goals
Without a defined vision, it is easy to get overwhelmed by endless possibilities or pulled in too many directions. You do not need to have all the answers right away, but having a clear direction can guide your decisions and keep you grounded during a career transition. Start by reflecting on the following:
- Type of work that energizes you
- Strengths you want to use daily
- The lifestyle and flexibility you need
- The impact you hope to make in your career
These insights will help shape a path that aligns with your values and goals, making it easier to navigate the journey with purpose and clarity.
Identify Transferable Skills
Whether you are shifting roles or changing industries, you likely already have valuable transferable skills:
- Customer service
- Communication and collaboration
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Project management
- Leadership and mentoring
- Technical or analytical abilities
Highlighting your transferable skills on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and during interviews demonstrates how your experience adds value even in a new setting.
Bridge the Skills Gaps
Take stock of your current role and evaluate what is missing. If your next move requires skills that you do not yet have, do not panic. Take a proactive approach and enroll in online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning), attend industry events or webinars, volunteer, freelance to gain needed experience, or find a mentor in your desired field to learn about their career journey. Taking small, consistent steps can quickly build momentum and get you closer to your new career.
Update Your Personal Brand
Successful transitions often depend on how you present yourself. A strong personal brand can help you stand out and attract the right opportunities. In order to make a memorable impression, take time to refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your new direction. Create a compelling personal summary that tells your “career story.” Be sure to share content, insights, or accomplishments related to your future path.
Leverage Your Network
Many career opportunities come through relationships, not job boards. Reach out to former colleagues or managers, university alumni groups, professional associations, or online communities in the industry you are targeting. Let people know what you are looking for. Make note to only ask for advice, and not just job leads, as genuine conversations can often open unexpected doors.
Practice Self-Care and Patience
Career transitions can be emotionally taxing, making it important to protect your well-being throughout the journey. Practicing patience and mindfulness allow you to process emotions. Staying connected with supportive people will help you maintain a positive attitude and outlook. It is also important to celebrate the small wins along the way. Always give yourself grace! Big shifts take time, but with consistent effort opportunities will come.
Ready for the Next Chapter in Your Career?
Changing careers is not a sign of failure, it is a bold move toward alignment and growth. While the journey may feel uncertain, you have more power, experience, and support than you think. By staying grounded in your values, investing in yourself, and moving forward step by step, you can navigate any career transition with confidence.
Start by taking one small action today. Research a desired role, message a mentor, or write down your career goals. Your future is waiting!
Raelynn Frazier Grasso, Ph.D. is a Career Advising Specialist and an Assistant Adjunct Professor of Psychology, with a strong foundation in counseling, human development, and higher education. Dr. Grasso brings deep expertise in individual and group career advising, college exploration and preparedness, and career transitions. She has designed and facilitated numerous programs aimed at strengthening college student engagement, personal and career identity development, and overall career readiness.
Her scholarly interests center on career decision-making, epistemic cognition, self-efficacy, and career development. These areas guide her holistic approach to supporting students from diverse backgrounds as they navigate complex educational and professional pathways and shape her student-centered approach to advising and teaching.
Dr. Grasso holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Utah and both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is committed to normalizing the messiness of the career development process and fostering college student success through evidence-based practices and inclusive advising strategies.
