Whether you are preparing to embark on your first career or you are transitioning into a new career, you understandably want to enjoy a smooth, straightforward experience. With many positions and career opportunities, there may be more than one way to enter the field and to get started working in your desired position. But these general ideas can help you make that first step towards a great career.
Research qualifications
One of the most important first steps to take as you prepare for a new career is to research the required qualifications. Some positions will train you on the job, and others require you to have a degree in a specific field. Other positions may require a special certification or the completion of a training course. For example, medical assistant certification classes will prepare you for a career as a medical assistant, and this is usually a requirement for most positions in this field. Avoid assuming all professional positions require a degree. Some positions may accept experience in lieu of a degree.
Improve your credentials
After you have a solid idea about what the required qualifications are for the position that you are interested in, you are ready to take the next step. Now is the time to enrol in a training programme, to apply for admission to university or to take other similar steps. Keep in mind many positions require you to have a combination of academic training as well as real-life experience. With this in mind, consider how you can obtain real-life experience in the field as part of improving your credentials.
Find an internship
A common way to gain real-life industry experience is to secure an internship. This may be a paid or unpaid internship, and it typically is for a respected leader in the industry. Some companies offering internships will hire their best interns. With this in mind, find the right internship for your professional needs and goals. Do your best work as an intern and you might even earn your way into a permanent position.
Launching a new career can seem intimidating and stressful, and this may be one of the reasons why many people maintain the status quo rather than taking a bold move forward in a new direction. If you have decided starting a new career is in your future, now is the time to begin researching so you can qualify for positions you are interested in.
How did you make your first step towards a great career? Let us know in the comments below.
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