So you want to change careers, but where do you start? Changing careers can be easier said than done, especially since so many employers are looking for prior experience. We have a few tips for you if you to make this change easier. In our example, an Office Manager wants to become a Chef.
- Educate yourself
A good place to start is taking classes or obtaining a degree. Our aspiring Chef can go to culinary school or take cooking classes. There are some entry level positions out there that will accept schooling in lieu of related work experience.
- Get some experience
It can be frustrating trying to get experience when you need experience to get the job in the first place. Luckily there are other ways to get experience besides working, such as volunteering and interning. Most trade schools and colleges require an internship as part of their graduation requirements. This is an excellent way to get experience and even a foot in the door with a reputable company. If you’re unable to get an internship, see if you can find any volunteer opportunities in your desired field. For our chef, this could be volunteering to cook with a soup kitchen.
- Have realistic expectations
Don’t expect to be made Head Chef overnight if you burn instant oatmeal. You may have been top dog in your previous career, but now you are starting from scratch. You will need to humble yourself and be willing to start at the bottom. This means that you may need to start as a Dishwasher, then a Prep Cook, a Line Cook, a Sous Chef, and then finally a Head Chef.
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