Re-training – how to retrain and change to a better profession?

1. Find your niche

First, find something that sets you apart. Choose an occupation that you are passionate about and think about what specifically you can specialize in (for example, if you are considering retraining as a programmer, choose a specific programming language). Check the ranking of professions of the future - perhaps among them you will find the one of your dreams?

2. Analyze your professional situation

To show your best side to a future employer, you need to know your potential. Therefore, carefully consider your professional situation - this way you will know your capabilities and assets to include in your resume. How to do it?

Recall all your experiences, even the smallest ones (student internships, volunteering, internship from the employment office, membership in a study circle at university, casual work, etc.). Think about what they taught you and whether you can use them after changing jobs. What professional achievements have you had?

3. Talk to people who work in the positions you are interested in

In the process of reorganizing, it's a good idea to surround yourself with people who know the profession in question inside out. Such people can recommend you valuable training courses, suggest where to look for a job and explain what a profession looks like "behind the scenes." Thanks to this knowledge, you will avoid disappointment and be better prepared for a possible job interview. You can build a network of contacts through LinkedIn, among others.

4. Develop skills useful after a career change

This is a key stage of career retraining - after all, without the right skills you won't change jobs. But how do you effectively take care of your development while still working at your job? Available to you include:

- free internship or apprenticeship in a private company

- workshops, courses and certified training (also free and online)

- training courses organized by the labor office

- post-secondary, evening and other vocational training schools

- extramural or postgraduate studies (check which course to choose).

You can also do additional training on your own at home, such as reading industry books and newspapers. However, it will be more difficult for you to prove your knowledge gained in this way to your future employer.

5. Prepare a good resume and cover letter

When you change industries or professions, you need to write a really good resume and cover letter. How to do it?

You should write your professional resume in the same way as a resume without experience - that is, you should focus on the hard and soft skills you gained in your previous profession, your character traits and the interests that pushed you towards another industry (employers love passionate people!).