FiguRE OuT WHAT yOu WAnT OuT OF yOuR nEXT CAREER .

DO SOmE OCCuPATiOnAl RESEARCH .

uSE A TEAm APPROACH .

REFRESH yOuR SKill SET AnD BuilD nEW COmPETEnCiES .

TAKE OWnERSHiP OF yOuR CAREER TRAnSiTiOn .

In the postgraduation frenzy , too many people apply to online job listings and accept the first job offered . Taking the time to ask “ What is it that I value in my work life ?” could save time and potential dissatisfaction down the road . Now ’ s the time to consider what activities and environments really energize you . Selfknowledge goes a long way toward satisfaction .

Front-end research on prospective career fields can help narrow choices and lend confidence that you ’ re headed in the right direction . Use the many online resources of UC San Diego ’ s Career Services Center or attend Triton Connect events to meet alumni professionals in fields that interest you . A bonus : you ’ ll also build a network in your new field .

Changing careers may feel like a solitary endeavor , so the most successful career changers build a support team to assist them . A mentor or career coach can help you brainstorm options , articulate your strengths ( and weaknesses ), review your resume and more . Lean on friends , family members and your fellow UC San Diego alumni — you ’ ll be amazed at how eager they are to help .

Once you ’ ve done your research online and engaged your alumni network , determine what additional skills will make you stand out . You might consider taking a UCSD Extension course or certificate program , doing self-study , or volunteering in your new field to build your resume and get ready for the interview .

Remember , you are in charge of your own career change and its success ! Be sure you are making this change for the right reasons and that they are your reasons , not those of your significant other , parents , friends , or anyone else . After all , it is you who ’ ll be working in this new career , not them .