Changing Careers, Changing Industy.

In order to survive and/or thrive you might need to make a change in your targeted industry or job function.  Making this change can be a challenge and take time, but it is possible.

Decide what it is you want to do.  Easier said than done, I know.  I've met people who've taken the Myers-Briggs, DISC, and all sorts of other assessments.  Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't seem to. I like the simplicity and practicality of O*Net Interest Profiler.  

But it isn't as easy as waving a magic wand and getting the answer.  You'll need to test the answers by talking with people in that industry and career.  Charting A New Career Course by Susan Joyce provides recommendations on how to evaluate a new career choice. 

Once you've narrowed your options down and pinpointed the right direction, it is crucial that you begin to "connect the dots" for people.  You are responsible for conveying the connection of transferable skills.  To learn how to do this, read Networking for Career Changer and "Renaissance Personalities" 

Here are some interesting posts about "connecting the dots"

Improve your job search prospects don't order in French at a Chinese food restaurant

Career Testing Good, Bad and Ugly

4 Lames Excuses to Not Assess Yourself

I Can Do That

Have you changed industries or careers?  How did you do it?