Are you tired of what you do and would like to change career paths? Did you realise what you studied for your first degree was not really what you like? Do you feel that your career does not give you the opportunity to make impact in the world? Are you unhappy and desire a change in career because you are simply fed up with what you currently do? Then this post is for you.

The following steps will guide you in taking that bold step:

• Go back to school and Retrain: The first step that people take when changing career paths is to back to school and retrain themselves. You could go for a master’s degree and study. If you already have a master’s degree, you could go for another one. Going back to school could also mean taking up a professional course, an online course, short courses or do a part time study. This will give you a theoretical background of what to expect in your desired career. I know a friend who wanted to get into the development sector from banking, doing a master’s programme was a step that was greatly beneficial.

• Contact experienced professionals on Networking Platforms: LinkedIn for example is a platform where you can connect with millions of professionals. Look for experienced people who currently work in your desired industry and send them an email telling them that you would like to work with them. Basically, you shoot your shot! Be courteous and explain to them why you want to change career paths. Go straight to the point and tell them that you think that they can help you get in. The worst response you will get is no and most professionals will not tell you an outright no. They might tell you there’s no vacancy yet or many other stories. You just might get a positive response and your dreams will come true.

• Volunteer in your desired Industry: I know volunteering in Africa is something that is not easy to do because, your current job might not pay well enough to give the resources. Volunteering could cost you resources that you don’t have available, however, there are many benefits. Volunteering will give you the opportunity to work in the sector you want and also give you ample experience which can be included in your CV as part of work experience. Some recruiters just want experience and it doesn’t matter if you got it through volunteering or full time job. Volunteering will also give you opportunity to network and meet people who could help you get into your desired industry.

• Apply for New Jobs: This is one of the hardest ways to change but it’s a possibility. Apply for as many jobs as possible in this new field. The stars might align for you and you get called for an interview. At that stage, be honest about why you want to change careers and prove to the interviewers that in your current career, you performed excellently. This means that wherever you find yourself, you excel. Also prove that you are willing and open to learn new things.

• Finally, don’t be afraid to start afresh: It could be a graduate job or taking up a low paying job. Whatever you do, just get into the industry. When you are outside of an industry, you might think you have an idea of what goes on but if you are not in, you are not in. There are some terminologies and buzzwords that you are not familiar with and might get lost when someone uses them. So, get in even if it’s a small start.

Wishing you the best of luck!