Career

7 Ways to Get Ready for Your Future Career 

What comes to mind when you consider your future career? If you're like most people, you imagine a consistent stream of jobs in one area, each one propelling you to the next level of achievement. 

However, that sort of job isn't as widespread as it previously was. According to statistics, by the age of 52, baby boomers had around 12 occupations, yet half of those positions were held between the ages of 18 and 24. People change employment as a result of external influences. For example, the worldwide pandemic has shown how rapidly alternative career pathways and firm development goals may be adjusted. While one firm may be rapidly expanding, another may be struggling for existence. 

So, whether you're just beginning your job hunt or planning ahead, how can you best prepare for your future career? Here are seven suggestions. 

Preparing for Your Future Career 

Trends in Economic Growth 

Knowing the predicted development patterns of your preferred future employment might assist you in charting a career path. Learn about the various career levels and what you need to do to progress up the ladder. Investigate the typical wage on websites such as PayScale and Salary.com to better understand your earning potential and to aid you in future interviews and salary negotiations. 

Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fact-finding division of the United States Department of Labor. Its Occupational Outlook Handbook includes thorough statistics for a wide range of sectors, including expected employment growth rates, median income, and more. 

Locate Potential Employers 

Learn about the major players in your selected industry. Who is hiring, and whose business culture is compatible with your career and personal goals? Who provides the perks and work flexibility you require? 

Even if you aren't quite ready to apply, look at the vacant openings at these firms to understand what the prerequisites are. Follow any firm that interests you on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to get an inside peek at how it operates. 

Consult with Other Professionals 

Interacting and networking with others helps keep you informed about your future employment opportunities. It also does not have to be done in a regular networking meeting environment. Consider joining virtual and in-person industry associations. 

Websites like Meetup.com may help you identify these gatherings, even if most of them take place digitally during the epidemic. Many of these professional organizations meet weekly or monthly and may have a speaker or group subject to discuss. This might help you meet individuals in a different job field and make new contacts. 

You may also arrange for informative interviews with specialists in your field of interest. Despite the term "interview," this is more of a get-together where you may converse with someone who is performing a job you're interested in or someone higher up in your business. Inquire about how they got started in the area, what they're working on, what they enjoy best and worst about their employment, and where they see prospects for advancement–among other things. 

Learn 

Immersion in your prospective profession may help you become a more educated job search when the time comes. Look for relevant podcasts, blogs, YouTube videos, and books. Learn about the industry's hottest themes and challenges. Who are the decision-makers and game changers? Follow them on social media and connect with them as needed. 

Consider volunteering, interning, or working part-time. 

Getting hands-on experience in your intended future professional field may be quite beneficial. Taking on an adult internship, volunteering, or being open to freelancing work and/or part-time employment may provide you with job-relevant experience and help you determine whether this is a career sector in which you are interested. You may also meet new individuals in the business, which might lead to to references, referrals, or possibly a job. 

Even though it's not a full-time employment, if you're changing careers, this experience may make a significant impact and prepare you for success. 

Professional Advancement 

Depending on the business, attending certain courses, gaining a degree, or finishing a certification may be beneficial or essential to understand the most recent knowledge. 

Many colleges and learning platforms offer online courses, allowing you to continue your education in your spare time. This update to your CV might demonstrate that you are serious about your new work and recognize the importance of developing your abilities. 

Assess Your Personal Brand 

Your personal brand, or how you promote yourself professionally online and in job search materials, may need an upgrade. Are you utilizing up-to-date industry jargon in your professional social network bios? Are you keeping up with subject matter experts to remain on top of trends? Is your resume up to date to highlight how your talents apply to your new job? Make a point of emphasizing your transferable abilities and demonstrating how they may assist a firm. 

FlexJobs Can Help You Find Your Future Career 

It's always a clever idea to be smart in your job hunt, and this is particularly true when it comes to career planning. Making wise decisions today will allow you to invest in yourself (and your career) for years to come. 

When it's time to start a new career or employment, FlexJobs is here to assist. We provide flexible employment possibilities in over 50 different professional categories, and all of them include some kind of flexwork, such as remote work, flexible timetables, or freelancing contracts.