Harper College will be closed Tuesday, November 5 in observance of Election Day.
Changing careers isn’t easy. After walking the same path for so long, starting over can be a daunting, time-consuming and, let’s be honest–costly experience. But no matter what your life circumstances may be, with the right plan and support system in place, it could be just the change you need.
Just look at Bob Beall, a 55-year-old man who, after 35 years in the retail business, changed careers when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Bob is deaf and reliant on body language and lip movement to communicate, so when customers started wearing masks, he decided to reevaluate his career.
After consulting with trusted friends and family, Bob found himself at Harper College pursuing a certificate in Maintenance Technology, leading him to his new career as a Maintenance Technician with Kohler Co. How did he do it, you ask? You’re in luck: Bob was kind enough to share his story and impart his wisdom with five tips on how to change careers.
This first step is key. If you’re feeling stuck or unhappy in your current career, be honest with yourself and embrace the idea of change. For me, taking a step back and evaluating what I wanted as opposed to simply accepting the current conditions I was in was critical in changing careers.
In the face of big decisions, we often need a voice of reason. Maybe it’s a friend, a family member, a colleague or a neighbor. Whoever it may be, explain your situation and talk through the pros and cons. In my situation, I reached out to three people I knew would give it to me straight. They all agreed a career change was the right move, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their guidance and support.
You don’t have to look far when considering what new career to pursue–just look to your inner-compass! Whether it’s something you’re good at, experienced in or have always been curious about, there’s sure to be an exciting career path available to you. My direction? The trades. I used this as my compass when taking to a search engine to seek new career paths and it ultimately led me to where I am today.
Should your new career path require a degree or certificate, start by looking around at your options. What’s the best institution to fit your budget, schedule and needs? Once you narrow it down to a few, schedule a campus tour or meet with an advisor or counselor to learn more about their options. For me, it was Harper College. Harper had the Maintenance Technology certificate program that allowed me to learn and acquire several different trade skills without committing to one. Thanks to their supportive staff and flexible course offerings, I was able to graduate with both a degree and a certificate.
It will be new, it will be hard, it will be worth it. If you commit to the work–the studying, reading, writing and time spent in front of a monitor–you will make it to the other side with a renewed sense of purpose and pride. People who hear my story often tell me how courageous I was, and I take pride in that. I had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way, but I was committed to change and I learned a lot–not just academically, but about myself as well.
If you’re looking for career direction, attend a free online workshop today. Harper College offers the Choose Your Area of Interest Virtual Workshop and Virtual Career Workshop to help you find direction and reach your goals.
