The average sports worker will change jobs 8 times with at least 3 career changes, contributing to an annual industry turnover rate nearing 65%. As Sports and Entertainment converge with the new media and expanding sports properties, there is still a critical need for quality senior level executives and specialized professionals.
Follow these top 14 career-change rules and you should achieve success in contemplating changing careers – and in your Sports Career change:
1. Do have a well-developed plan for making your Sports Career change. And don’t rush into a career change until you have thought it out and developed a strategy.
2. Don’t worry if you feel a bit insecure or unsure about making a career change; these feelings are normal.
3. Do expect to put in a great deal of time and effort in making the switch from one career to another, but don’t allow yourself to get discouraged at the pace or your progress…changing careers takes time.
4. Don’t rush into a new opportunity because you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with your current job, boss, company, or career field.
5. Do take the time to examine the activities that you like and dislike, with more focus on your likes. And do focus on marketplace segments that center around your likes and passions.
6. Do leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new Sports Career by taking advantage of your transferable skills.
7. Don’t limit yourself to similar careers or jobs when making a change; look for opportunities that take advantage of both your skills and interests.
8. Do consider the possibility that you will need to get additional training or education to gain the skills you need to be competitive in your new sports career field, butdon’t jump headfirst into an educational program…start slowly.
9. Do take advantage of all you networking potential, including using your current network of contacts, conducting informational interviews with key employers in your new career field, and joining professional organizations in the Sports Industry. (And do read more about networking).
10. Don’t forget to take advantage of the career and alumni offices from your previous educational experiences as well as your current school (if you are going back for additional education or training).
11. Do gain experience in your new career field, ideally while you are still working in your current job. Volunteer or find a part-time job in your new career field – thus building experience, confidence, and contacts in your new field.
12. Don’t go it alone; do find a mentor. Changing sports careers is challenging, and you really need to have someone who can help motivate you and keep you focused on your goal when you get discouraged.
13. Do brush up on all aspects of job-hunting, especially if you haven’t had a need to use those skills recently. And do take advantage of all career change resources.
14. Above all else, do be flexible. You’re basically starting your career anew, which means you may have to make concessions about job titles, salary, relocation, etc.
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Do you have any other do’s and don’ts to add to this list? What are some of your own experiences when going through a career transition? Feel free to share in the comments section below and add to this list.
Very good tips… NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK! If you haven’t networked then network again! Rinse and repeat!
In my opinion Jamie, networking and building quality relationships is all we can do at the end of the day.
Great stuff Lewis!