Week 12 - The Game Changer

Typically at some point in life one will make a pivot in their career field. This may not be true for some, but most tend to alter their careers in some way. Changing a career sounds not only difficult but scary at the same time. I mean you work so hard at a certain profession or title, to wake up one day and change your entire perspective of how you want to work. Although this may be a scary thought, it is usually done. In the tenth chapter of What Color Is Your Parachute, by Richard N. Bolles, he describes five ways to change or choose careers.

The five ways can all be used, or only one, all depending on how effective the strategy is per individual. Overall, all five ways can be quite useful to someone who is looking to make a pivot in their career.


1. The Internet
Going on line can be very helpful when it comes to changing careers or even looking for a new job. The internet has countless websites that post career openings, allowing one the biggest way to search for a new position. Another great aspect is that the internet will also give you information about the companies, and past employment reviews.

2. Tests
Taking a test has always been rather intimidating, as you are nervous to see how well you scored. However, a career test is more than just passing and failing. Taking a career test will highlight the areas that you like, while also pointing out the areas you may not be the best in. You can take this information and select a career based off your scores. However, taking a test does have some flaws, just keep that in mind if you are deciding in taking a career test.

3. The Flower Exercise
In a past blog, I have covered the entire flower method, so you can shoot over to my previous blogs if you are interested in partaking in this exercise. Basically the flower method has one list out some general things about them, creating the building blocks of themselves. Next, it has you follow some more steps to develop a list of possible options

4. Changing in Two-Steps
Bolles states that if you are looking to change careers you should do it in two steps. For example he says that if one is an accountant for a television program and they now want to go into medical reporting, they should split it up into two steps. If one tries to jump from career to career they may get shot down. However, if one were to go into television reporting, then later on go into medical repotting, they may have an overall easier time.

5. Trending Jobs
Lastly, the market is always changing, which can be a good thing as it creates the needs for other jobs. If you are looking to make a career change, do some research on new and upcoming jobs. Forbes states from statistics in 2013 the top five trending jobs were; software developer, accountant and auditor, market research analysts and marketing specialist, computer systems analysts, and human resources and training and labor relations specialist.


The world is always going to be changing which creates the need for new careers. Keeping your eyes open to new and upcoming jobs can help if you are in the market to change careers or just obtain a job in general. If you are planning on changing careers but confused on what you should do, try just one of the five tips that Bolles suggests. Hopefully everything works out for you!
 -STURCO