I am in mid career change. The career of prospect researcher was identified to me as a match for my transferable skills by the career assessment department at a local university. I now know what the position is and how it is performed, but I’m not sure how to break into this field. Any suggestions on the career path?

While I don’t want to appear flippant, it appears that your prospective career as a prospect researcher needs more research!

During the career planning process, there is often more than one target career that may come up on your radar. There can be a tendency at your stage of the game to develop tunnel vision, and begin to focus on one particular career objective (such as prospect researcher) to the exclusion of all others. You may still be in the evaluation stage for this particular career without knowing it. Completing the exercise of matching your transferable skills is a great first step to determine your likelihood of successfully transitioning, but there is more.

Informational interviewing

Informational interviewing is the process of talking, in a structured way, to knowledgeable people about their profession. You mentioned that you have performed some informational interviewing already and determined what the position is, and how it is performed, but you shouldn’t stop there. Continue with your informational interviewing and delve into the other areas that aren’t as clear to you. Ask current prospect researchers how they got into the field, why they stay in their profession, and other similar questions. Solicit their advice on how you should manage your transition.

Determine your true motivation for wanting to transition

You may also want to ask them what they love about their job, what frustrates them about it, and other questions that explore the motivational side of career transition. Simply because you have these identified transferable skills and CAN do the job does not mean you WANT to do the job. A steady paycheque is important, but it is a very poor motivator for most people.

Determine what skills, if any, are missing

You have already looked at your key skills, but do you know if you have all the required skills for the job? Again, informational interviewing with knowledgeable professionals can help you to determine this. Formulate an action plan to address any skill deficiencies.

Create a dynamite résumé

Based on the results of your informational interviewing, design a résumé that will appeal to people in a position to hire. Seek professional assistance if needed. You need to know yourself why someone would hire you for something you’ve never done before, and preparing a résumé that outlines your transferable skills and accomplishments is a critical start in your transition strategy.

Network like crazy

You best strategy is to find someone who has the same vision you have about your transition, perhaps someone who has made the same transition him or herself in the past. Attend industry or professional events. Get to know people and spread your story.

Transitioning is not easy, and you will face many obstacles. Look upon it as a challenge, and remember to be flexible in your approach. There are many paths that can lead to success!

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is currently President of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.