7 tips to aid a career change

Newsday looked at how the economy is prompting many people to change careers. For people contemplating a career change,  here are some tips from Manhattan-based career-management expert Kimberly Bishop,  author of “Get Down to Business and You’ll Get the Job.” She recommends that you:

1. Determine if you need a new career or just a new job.

2. Look at your hobbies and your volunteer work to determine where your interests lie.
“That could reveal your passion,” Bishop said.

3. Take an inventory of your skills before considering a career change.

4. Figure out which ones are transferrable. “Finding them is the most tedious part of the process,” Bishop said.

5. Fill in any skills gaps before switching.

6. Check the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook online and other resources to assess
job opportunities in your new field.

7. Make sure you have enough savings, if you plan to quit your job while you work on your new career. Bear in mind that a transition takes nine to 12 months on average.