6 Networking Tips for a Career Change

By Jessica Howington, Senior Content Manager

Every job seeker needs to have a strong network. But it’s particularly vital for career changers looking to break into a new field. When you’re making the transition from one field to the next, you’ll need to expand your professional network to help make connections in the new field.

Connecting in a brand new network comes with challenges. Here are some career change networking tips to help you get started.

Six Career Change Networking Tips

1. Alumni Organizations

Your alumni organization is a great resource to tap into when making a career change. In addition to connecting with alumni, you can access alumni career advisors. There are numerous opportunities for connecting with new people in your desired career, as well as gaining insight into the industry and potential job openings.

2. Professional Associations

To grow a network with experienced industry professionals, check out professional associations and organizations in your newly chosen career field. These groups can provide opportunities for learning new skills, finding unadvertised job openings, and networking with highly trained and experienced professionals.

3. Current Network

Making a career change doesn’t mean your current network is no longer useful. Put the word out that you are looking at another industry and see if anyone in your network has a connection they would be willing to introduce you to. There may also be people in your current network who have made their own career change and can provide support and guidance.

4. Social Media

Just as social media is essential in a job search, it is also important and highly useful for career change networking. Social media offers career changers an entire world of professionals to connect with and learn from. Consider following well-known professionals in your new field. Join groups that can help you connect with like-minded individuals. Expand your network by being active in discussions and posting things yourself.

5. Job Fairs

While you may not be ready to apply to jobs, a job fair can connect you with hiring managers and recruiters in your new career field. These can also offer you insight into the hiring practices, typical experience needed, and the types of jobs that are open.

6. Volunteering or Internships

While volunteering or interning is work, it is one way that career changers can gain skills and experience in their new field while also building a strong and robust network. This is also a fantastic way to get your foot in the door.

Network Your Way to a Career Change

Career changers face the challenge of starting over, not only in their career but also with their network. While you don’t have to discard your current network or connections, building new relationships in your new career field is vital. Through these relationships, career changers can gain access to industry news, information, job opportunities, workshops, and training opportunities.

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