The Career Change Challenge According to the U.S. Labor Department, the average person changes careers at least three to five times before retiring. While we've all heard it before, that fact does little to usher people reassuringly into new jobs full of uncertainty. In an effort to provide useful insight, The Career Exposure Network™, via a recent QuickPoll, asked Web site visitors who have considered changing or changed careers for their feedback and guidance.

Why Change Careers? We all experience days when we feel discouraged in our jobs. And, that's OK, though not necessarily a reason to jump ship. However, if discontentment continues, you may need to find a new job. Seriously assess what the root problem is in your particular situation. Changing careers may require sacrifices, so be sure this is the best decision for you. If the problem is lack of "fit" with your present company, your current career path may still be appropriate. In that case, consider a new company that will be a better "fit" for your employment goals and career expectations. Perhaps a smaller or larger organization will provide you a better work environment. Look at your options. If your current field is not fulfilling and you find yourself listing new occupations during staff meetings, then maybe it's time to begin preparing for a career change. When asked what prompted their career change, respondents to The Career Exposure Network™ QuickPoll ranked their answers accordingly: Opportunity for higher earning potential Lack of opportunities in previous field Burn out Family obligations Relocation Finance, Engineering, Technology... How Do You Choose? Sixty-six percent of the men and women who answered the QuickPoll indicated that they changed career paths mid-way through their previous careers. Know that you are not alone. Changing careers doesn't mean that your first choice was a bad one. Your first occupation was an experience and a stepping stone to the next phase of your career journey. People evolve throughout a lifetime. It's unrealistic to expect one career will always remain satisfying through that evolution. But, how do you choose the right path with the myriad of options available today? First, make the following lists: Skills Interests Qualities and values that your new career/job should possess From these lists, you can most likely determine the best career for you. Match the above criteria to career guides that can be found online through leading career sites and resources centers, by library resources, or alumni career centers. Speak to friends in various fields and gather data from their experiences. Narrow your career options list to one or two choices. Next, conduct live research, if possible. Volunteer with an organization/association that deals with the new subject matter of interest. Ask local businesses if you can intern in the field you're exploring. Take a class at a local college related to your field of interest. Attend your desired industry's association events, and network, network, network! Try to learn first hand what that career is like. If you like what you experience, then you may be ready to move into your new career. Company A vs. Company B Now that you've chosen a new direction perhaps there is a position within your current company that will allow you to pursue your new career path. Don't be afraid to ask! Your employer already knows your capabilities and may be more willing than a new employer to help you explore new opportunities. If a new career means a new company, prepare and do your homework while applying for a new position. QuickPoll respondents speak up: I wish I would have known to shop around for the job I wanted within other companies [so that I could] compare apples to apples. Smaller office environments enable greater on the job learning potential. You tend to do more than just your designated assignment, which quickly builds you a diverse and strong skill set for future endeavors. To find the best companies, read interviews with corporate representatives from all levels. Visit The Career Exposure Network™ sites and review Up Close and Virtual Interviews and Corporate Profiles. Gather as much information as possible and create a targeted employer list. Then research available job opportunities or request informational interviews with each company. Landing The Job Rewrite/update/re-work your resume to reflect your current career objectives. Remember that your resume speaks volumes about you, particularly if you're looking to shift gears into a new field in which you have no directly applicable experience. Be sure to note your skills and capabilities, the personal qualifications that you will bring to a job rather than industry-specific experience. And, emphasize transferable skills such as leadership, flexibility, teamwork, and problem-solving. Also, be sure to highlight prior measurable/demonstrable accomplishments. Use your cover letter as an effective tool to shed light on why you want to enter a new field. Quickly recap the research you've done to prove that you're not making a rash decision. You need to illustrate that you're committed to this change and that you can step in and contribute to the company immediately. Regardless of what you say and write, be professional at all times. QuickPoll respondents speak up: Formal business acumen is important. You aren't 'selling out' if you act, dress or conduct yourself professionally. Strong communication skills are important. Persevere Don't be discouraged if your applications are rejected at first. Call the human resources representative, if possible, and ask why you were passed over. That information could help you revise your resume, cover letter or interview responses for better success the next time. Also consider that you may need additional education. Some fields require special or higher degrees. In fact, many respondents indicate that education is key for successful careers—several even recommend getting MBAs early on in your career. Career change is a normal part of a professional life. And while few people like change, new career opportunities can bring satisfying rewards. Additional resources to enhance your professional development and advance your career can be found at CareerWomen.com, DiversitySearch.com, MBACareers.com and CareerExposure.com including career development tools, career and employment news, and employment opportunities across the US with some of the best companies.

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