blessed asked:


I am considering a career change. I am currently working as a Software QA Engineer with 10 years experience and now I am considering a career change and going for a Sr. Systems Analyst position. What are my chances to be hired at a senior level? Any advices on what preparations I should do in this change? Thanks for your inputs in advance.
I would like to add that my current position is Sr. Software QA Engineer. I have some programming experience. I have at least 3 years of test automation experience. With that, could I quality for a Senior position? Thanks for your reply.

Oswald

sweetie asked:


I have worked in the medical field for as long as I can remember (20 years). I do medical coding and billing, insurance denials, etc and I am growing tired of it. I want to change careers. I love working with kids and those with learning disabilities. I will be 40 next year. I have a 14 yo son and a 12 yo daughter. Am I too old to go back to college?

Ferdinand

davis0375 asked:


I have three children at home. I left my career in management at a large corporation when my youngest was born. I really miss working, but don’t want to go back to the hours and stress of what I was doing for the sake of my family. I have a degree in Business and have completed some coursework on my MBA, but I have come across few opportunities in a professional environment that can be done part time. I am willing to go back to school and am fortunate to have the means to do so, but I know going in that I want to learn something I will enjoy and that I can do part time. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding careers that lend themselves well to part time work?

Quenby

??i luv??juicy fruit??gum asked:


In the type of work that I do, I often find myself getting really irritated easily, and finding faults with things that I normally haven’t had a problem with. I am now thinking that it is time for a career change because I am finding that my job is becoming monotonous and tedious. I am a little afraid to step out and and take the risk ofquitting
my job, and getting into a new career, but at the same time, I am miserable in my current occupation. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks.

Luke

People have plenty of decisions to make every minute of their lives. What dress to wear, what time to leave home, what color tie to wear, etc. Unlike these decisions, there are some that need a good deal of contemplation.

Everything in life might be going well; you might be able to lead a decent life with the salary you get, the children can go to school and even if your spouse doesn’t work the house still manages on your paycheck. But, deep inside there may be a voice that says something isn’t right. The current job you have isn’t the one you enjoy doing. Listen to that voice, especially if it starts affecting your work and you cannot concentrate.

Think of alternative jobs that you could do instead of your present one. The career change you decide on can turn out to be the most exciting in your life.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep on mind when changing your career:

Do’s

-Planning a career change is difficult and it is best to have a plan. Think long and hard before making any decision, as this will affect your career in the long run.

-Since you are making a change, consider a job that is not similar to the present one. Also consider careers which make optimum use of your interests and skills.

-Network with people through friends and business associates. This is the best way of finding out about the industry you would like to join.

-Consult a friend or someone who has knowledge of the industry and can act as a mentor, advising you and helping you to focus on your goals.

-If your chosen field requires additional qualifications, think of ways you can do it and the course you could opt for.

-If possible, try to work part-time for the job you want. This can help you understand the intricacies of the new job.

-When you start working on the new job you should take time to adapt to the new surroundings and system of working.

-When you quit a job, leave on a positive note. Keeping good relations with your past employers will help you in the future.

Don’ts

-Don’t have too many expectations from the job; you could be disappointed if things don’t turn out the way you thought.

-Don’t discuss your plans for a change of career with your office colleagues until you have a solid offer in writing.

-Don’t be dazzled by the glamour and big money that some jobs offer. What you should to look for is job satisfaction and a secure future.

-Don’t expect a career change to be instant; it might take more time than you expect.

-Don’t leave your current job until you have another one in hand. You never know how long finding the job of your choice will take. If it takes longer than expected, you may have to consider paying bills from your savings.

Do away with all your inhibitions about making a successful career change. Your job and how you perceive it has an effect on you, your family and your future.



By: Tony Jacowski

About the Author:

Sean

butterfly asked:


My resume pertains to my teaching degree and experience in the classroom etc. How do I write a cover letter explaining I want a career change. I have my Master’s in education, but places I apply to would take someone with a GED over me because I don’t have the experience in their field. I need to make them understand that having furthered my education that I am capable of learning a new job and am fully trainable.

Quinby

Now begins the hard questions that you have to explore to make your decision. You need to begin evaluating who you are and what you want in life. Maybe a different job and not a different career is what you really want.

You won’t know until you really take a good long look.

Step One – Identify What Suits You

The first step one should take when considering a career change is to make a list of jobs you want to explore. There are free career tests online to help you narrow down the list and decide what you want to focus on. Next you want to research your list.

Take a good long list and research all the jobs on it. Look into all aspects of these potential occupations you can think of.

Get a book from your local library so you can see all the good and potentially bad aspects of the occupations and get a book on career change while you are there. Career change can be scary but worthwhile.

What would bring you more happiness in your life? Are you looking for more money or are you more interested in affecting social change?

Step Two – Sounds Like A Plan

Any career change is going to require you to set some goals and make an action plan. Are you willing to get further education? Try to talk to someone in the occupation you are interested in.

Grill them about the skills needed, how they got started, what they see as the challenges. Any career change requires some flexibility on your part. Are you willing to go all the way and do what it takes to be successful. Do you feel passion when you think of it?

Trying to get an internship is one way to test your career change. Is it all you imagined it would be? Before you go out and get a degree, answer these questions.

Step Three – Tactics In Your Existing Job

If you are currently employed, keeping quiet about your plans may be the best thing for you. That may mean not telling co workers you are close too. You especially don’t want anything getting to your boss if you are just testing the waters.

Remember many people before you have made a career change and were happier people for it. Finding a mentor to guide you can offer valuable career change advice.

This opens up a whole new network of people for you to gain experience and may eventually lead to a job.

For most of us the thought of a career change is so scary. But, if we all just stayed right where we are right noe, what more can life offer us? Look inside yourself and take inventory of what you want out of life and it is entirely possible that the fear is the only thing holding you back.

Sometimes it only takes one initial step to overcome fear and to get you up and running.



By: Martin Haworth

About the Author:

Cadman

Rattler asked:


I’m 28, and live at home because I studied English during undergrad – which wasn’t for me. I want to start on a new career but I’m still not sure what I want to do. I used to want to study natural science such as physics but that doesnt seem realistic anymore although it’s a nice fantasy. I’m considering urban planning or library science. I would like to speak to professionals to get an idea of what working in their fields is like. I don’t feel comfortable approaching people, however, considering my age and lack of experience. I’ve just been doing research on careers on my own. Can anyone help me out?

Lyndon

kat0217 asked:


I really want to change my career in being an accounting clerk to a Call service representative . Please give me useful information or tips about this job.

Many thanks!

Abbott

JAL-CEO asked:


I am in the Title insurance business and have been thinking of a career change that would require me to go to medical school. (Optometry) The problem is that I am 33 years old. Do you think this is too old to go back to school for something as difficult as Optometry school?

Davin