7 Tips for Starting a New Career in 2021

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels

Tough situations often demand tough decisions and career shift is one of the difficult situations many are having to face in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of us have already lost jobs and many more are unsure of what the future holds. For fresh graduates, breaking into the job market is always tricky, and especially so in this climate.

However, don’t despair! Although difficult, starting a new career in this context is not impossible with the right approach.

Let’s take a look at 7 top tips for starting a new career in 2021, as well as the most recommended and highest-paying industries for the new year.

1. Hold Your Passion for a While

Being able to follow your passion is important, but in many parts of the world, this may not be the best time to do so. In these times, you need to consider industry trends, demands, and yield before you decide on the right direction to go.

It may not be prudent to quit your stable job to follow your passion right now, but that doesn’t mean giving up on your passions entirely!

If you are willing to work hard, you can develop a passion for a job or industry that didn’t instantly appeal to you. It is all about adaptability and accepting the realities on the ground. Being too set on one dream can sometimes distract you from a rare opportunity that might not knock on your door again.

Look at the industries and sectors that are flourishing at the moment and be open to various options.

2. Look for the Top Industries to Seek Career in 2021 and Beyond

Not all sectors have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic: some have survived well, while others have even flourished during 2020. For example, many online sectors have performed well, including eCommerce and fintech.

Take a look at the industries that are thriving at the moment and do a bit of research. Check out job ads in these sectors – what skills and qualifications are they looking for?

What can you do to make yourself an appealing applicant in this field?

3. Learn with Enthusiasm

There’s nothing stopping you from learning new things and even breaking into an entirely new industry. The unknown road can be intimidating and a sector that is entirely unknown to you may seem out of reach.

However, learning new skills and knowledge is not impossible for anyone. All it takes is to bite the bullet and sign up for one of the courses that you can view here if you’re interested in breaking into the software testing market, for instance, and upskilling yourself.

After all, it isn’t difficult to improve your knowledge and gain the required qualifications with a short course, though sometimes a greater investment of time and money may be required.

Take a look at sites like the Skills Training Group to find courses and get trained for the most demanding skills in the industry.

4. Make a Clear Action Plan

Always have a clear picture of your top priorities and keep these in mind at all times.

Once you’ve set your goals, work backward to determine an action plan that will take you where you want to go.

This should include training, job applications, networking, and other key steps. Set timelines and objectives along the way to keep yourself on track.

5. Evaluate Your Progress

There is no room for procrastination when it comes to pursuing your dream career.

Competition is getting tougher every day so the earlier you take action, the better. It can be easy to waste time thinking things over and delaying decisions.

This can be avoided by evaluating your progress against your plan, and sticking to the goals and timelines you set for yourself.

6. Spare Time for Reflection

Don’t spend too much time dwelling on missed opportunities, but always make an effort to reflect. This allows you to take stock of your wins and acknowledge your mistakes to make sure that you don’t repeat them.

This careful self-reflection also helps you to assess your progress, and adjust your plan if it is not serving you well.

Additionally, this kind of exercise allows you to assess the landscape and adapt as external factors change, as they inevitably will from time to time.

 

7. Anticipate Success in the Long Run

Often, making decisions for the short term does not pay off in the long run. Decisions based on temporary gains will inevitably lead to frustration in a few months.

If planning a career shift, look for the industries that have the potential to flourish not just in the coming months, but for decades to come.

These sectors will offer a greater number of opportunities for professionals in the future, and so are the best place to build up industry-specific experience.

The world is constantly changing, and this affects every aspect of our lives. In 2021, as we adjust to the new normal, you’ll need to be flexible and respond to the shifting landscape if you want to succeed in the new decade and beyond.

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