How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (2024)

Last updated on Jan 1, 2024

  1. All
  2. Education
  3. Library Services

Powered by AI and the LinkedIn community

1

Assess your current skills

2

Choose relevant and transferable skills

3

Find the best learning resources

4

Set realistic and measurable goals

5

Apply and practice your skills

6

Seek feedback and reflect on your learning

7

Here’s what else to consider

Changing careers can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you need to develop new skills to succeed in your new field. Whether you are looking for a different role, a new industry, or a more fulfilling purpose, learning new skills can help you adapt, grow, and thrive in your career transition. In this article, we will share some tips on how you can develop new skills when changing careers, based on our experience as library professionals.

Top experts in this article

Selected by the community from 29 contributions. Learn more

How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (1)

Earn a Community Top Voice badge

Add to collaborative articles to get recognized for your expertise on your profile. Learn more

  • How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (3) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (4) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (5) 10

  • Dr. Rupali Phule Librarian, Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (7) 5

  • Dr. Salam Himika Devi --

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (9) 2

How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (10) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (11) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (12)

1 Assess your current skills

Before you dive into learning new skills, it is important to assess your current skills and identify your strengths, weaknesses, and gaps. You can use various tools and methods to evaluate your skills, such as self-assessments, feedback, portfolios, or online tests. You can also compare your skills with the requirements and expectations of your desired career, and see where you need to improve or update your knowledge and abilities.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Dr. Rupali Phule Librarian, Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
    • Report contribution

    It's common for professionals to seek a change in their careers if they aren't experiencing professional fulfillment in their current roles. Fortunately, those with widely applicable skill sets can often shift into other industries and professions. If you're a librarian and you're considering a career transition, it may be helpful for you to review similar professions that could benefit from your skills

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (21) 5

    Unhelpful
  • Dr. Salam Himika Devi --
    • Report contribution

    Select a skill that is very unique and important, join an online expert-crafted course for skill development, and read as many books as possible. There is no use in having the same skill which more than 80% of people are having. Need to have those skills which very few people can develop. Teamwork for the accomplishment of a project for practical strengthening of skill, direct involvement in grassroots field offline involvement, doing part-time jobs, online real-time sessions with experts, and one-on-one group discussions.

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (30) 2

    Unhelpful
  • Dr. Laura Kristan Wilhelm Award-Winning International Consultant and Media Critic
    • Report contribution

    I think one of the best ways to strengthen skills is to take part-time jobs that address overlooked areas. If you are introverted and detail-oriented, you could rock the phones at a call center. If you are extroverted and talkative, you could crush the computers in an office. This way, you can earn while you learn and add more tools to your box. Everything in one job candidates are always in demand, especially in leaner economic times. You might be surprised by which skills will take you places.

  • Dr. Mohammed Shagil 34x LinkedIn Top Voice 🎙 | Dentist | Content writer ✍️ | 23+ Million Post Impressions | Open to New opportunities in Non Clinical | Let Connect 😎
    • Report contribution

    I've been diving into free courses and materials across various fields outside of dentistry. It's about leveraging these resources to expand my skills beyond the clinical realm. maximizing the opportunity to learn something new and valuable from the free materials available to me. It's a way to assess my current abilities and bridge any gaps while exploring diverse areas outside my usual scope.

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (49) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (50) 2

    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

2 Choose relevant and transferable skills

Once you have a clear picture of your current skills, you can choose which skills you want to develop or enhance for your new career. You should focus on skills that are relevant and transferable to your new field, and that can help you stand out from the competition. For example, as library professionals, we have developed skills such as information literacy, research, communication, and customer service, which can be useful in many other careers. You can also look for skills that are in high demand or emerging in your new industry, and that can give you an edge in the job market.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

    • Report contribution

    Try to honestly assess which of the competencies that made you successful in your previous role will still apply. Sometimes we tend to rely on those skills and competencies that we master and that make us comfortable rather than what would is needed in a new role. For example, imagine you were promoted to director of strategic planning. If you were successful in your previous position due to strong project management skills, it's important to assess whether this competency aligns with the requirements of your current role. While project management is valuable, your new responsibilities may demand more emphasis on strategic planning and client relations.

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (59) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (60) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (61) 10

    Unhelpful
  • Theresa Longe Customer Service |Customer Support | Library Services
    • Report contribution

    I recently transitioned into another role and I must say first hand that it can be really challenging.Challenging because, I have spent a good number of years in a particular role or career path and have become accustomed to it But the narrative changes if your new role is also something you are passionate about.My candid advice is that you carefully choose which skills you want to develop. This involves a lot of research to ascertain which skill will be more beneficial to you.Once this is done, settle down to learn and learn well. The goal is to do your best and become the best they has ever been.Lastly, don't give your new team a your new team a reason to doubt your competence.

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (70) 2

    Unhelpful
    • Report contribution

    Librarians should possess relevant and transferable skills such as information literacy, research proficiency, organizational capabilities, effective communication, customer service orientation, technology proficiency, collaboration, problem-solving, cataloging expertise, and adaptability to ensure successful library operations and meet the diverse needs of patrons

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (79) 1

    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

3 Find the best learning resources

There are many ways to learn new skills, depending on your learning style, budget, and availability. You can choose from formal or informal learning options, such as courses, certificates, workshops, webinars, books, podcasts, blogs, or online platforms. You can also learn from mentors, peers, or experts in your new field, and seek their advice, guidance, or feedback. As library professionals, we have access to a wealth of information and learning resources, and we can help you find the best ones for your needs and goals.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Lori Rice
    • Report contribution

    Based on a recommendation from my supervisor, I took a course offered by Library Juice Academy. The platform has various certificates professionals, students, and lifelong learners can earn. The courses all follow the same format and are straightforward. I’m hoping to start my second course soon. These are paid classes — each has a cost, several hundred dollars. For free courses, I’ve used Universal Class, a resource offered to patrons through my (and many other) libraries. The content varies widely. I finished a class for on Social Media Marketing not too long ago. Check it out!

    Like
    Unhelpful
  • Daniel Akwasi Afrane Systems Librarian || IT Consultant || Researcher || Systems Developer || Volunteer
    • Report contribution

    Most of these resources could be found in online programmes and webinars free of charge. You may only need dedication and commitment to learn.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

4 Set realistic and measurable goals

Learning new skills can be challenging and time-consuming, so it is important to set realistic and measurable goals that can help you stay motivated and track your progress. You can use the SMART framework to define your goals, which means they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of saying "I want to learn web design", you can say "I want to complete a web design course and create a portfolio website by the end of the year".

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Edem Lakoussan Head of School at Enko Dakar PYP/ PYP Coordinator
    • Report contribution

    Reasonable and Short term goals lead to small successes and little successes prompt to bigger dreams.Setting reasonable goals is a practical way to attain our objectives.

    Like
    Unhelpful
  • Lori Rice
    • Report contribution

    I agree, although I it can be hard for me to set and achieve realistic goals within a certain timeframe, especially when I feel overwhelmed. I like to break down goals even further. This quarter my goal is to begin creating a 3-year plan for myself. I’ve never had one. Next quarter I’ll complete it. My brain works better when I divide a whole into many parts, and I’m able to stay motivated and focused by achieving each portion. The hit of dopamine I feel when I’m able to cross a task off my list is rewarding.

    Like
    Unhelpful

5 Apply and practice your skills

The best way to develop and improve your skills is to apply and practice them in real or simulated situations. You can look for opportunities to use your skills in your current job, volunteer work, projects, or hobbies. You can also create your own projects or challenges that can help you showcase your skills and demonstrate your value to potential employers. For example, as library professionals, we often create digital content, such as blogs, podcasts, or videos, to share our expertise and skills with our audience.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Dr. Laura Kristan Wilhelm Award-Winning International Consultant and Media Critic
    • Report contribution

    Also, remember that you are building many transferable skills at home. Parenting, for example, is a constant exercise in negotiation and conflict resolution. These skills could lead to great career opportunities in management, counseling, or mediation if enhanced by formal training. Most life experience can be commodified.

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (120) How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (121) 2

    Unhelpful

6 Seek feedback and reflect on your learning

Finally, you should seek feedback and reflect on your learning process and outcomes, and see how you can improve or expand your skills further. You can ask for feedback from your instructors, mentors, peers, or employers, and use it to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. You can also reflect on your learning experiences, and see what worked well, what didn't, and what you can do differently next time. For example, as library professionals, we use portfolios, journals, or blogs to document and reflect on our learning and skills development.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Kenia Intriago Encargada de Remuneraciones
    • Report contribution

    Antes de comenzar a estudiar Bibliotecología, era Bibliotecaria de la Biblioteca Nacional de mi país. Y viendolo en retrospectiva, desde niña di señales que esa sería mi profesión. Sin embargo, no era consciente que abría un mundo de posibilidades para desarrollarme profesionalmente, y es que en bibliotecología no solo nos enseñan a gerenciar unidades de información, también nos enseñan a comunicarnos y comunicar, la importancia de la historia de soportes de información, entornos virtuales, entres otros., Pero, lo más importante es que nos enseñan a adaptarnos a los cambios en la era de la información, el conocimiento y la tecnología. Es por ello, que estoy trabajando para enfrentarme y generar esos cambios... ¡Tú también puedes!

    Translated

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (130) 2

    Unhelpful

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Meredith Eliassen Associate Librarian, Lecturer/Special Collections Librarian at San Francisco State University
    • Report contribution

    When I was young and graduated during an economic downturn (with every degree 😜), my daddy told me… always look for your next job from a position of strength…. So three decades later I am still at the same institution but I still hear that advice in my head… only now I am contemplating the notion of working into the traditional retirement years and all of the above information is still applicable. Keep fresh with your field knowing the things change. It’s that line from “The Leopard” paraphrasing: “If you want this to stay the same, things must change.” This is especially true in library science where the nature of information is changing with formats. I personally am trying to learn how libraries will coexist with artificial intelligence.

    Like

    How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (139) 1

    Unhelpful
    • Report contribution

    It can be so so nerve wracking to change jobs, much less to change careers. I would begin by assessing your skills in a very general way…for example: If you work as a children’s library assistant aka programmer; you have confidence speaking in front of audiences of families. If you have done ready reference services, you have knowledge of questioning customers to help them get the information they really need. Find a way to categorize your skills that are transferable.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

Library Services How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (148)

Library Services

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Library Services

No more previous content

  • What do you do if your library decisions are influenced by biases?
  • Here's how you can improve teamwork and collaboration in library services through delegation.
  • What do you do if you're a library professional trying to foster community while working remotely?
  • What do you do if your library collections need to be preserved and digitized using innovative methods?
  • Here's how you can enhance your delegation skills as a library professional.
  • What do you do if you want to impress with your library programming and events expertise in an interview?

No more next content

See all

Explore Other Skills

  • Educational Leadership
  • K-12 Education
  • Higher Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Personal Development
  • E-Learning
  • Teaching

More relevant reading

  • Job Search Strategies What do you do if you want to expand your job opportunities by learning skills outside of your current field?
  • K-12 Education You’re about to start your career. How can you make the most of your education experience?
  • Market Research What do you do if you want to unlock career advancements through market research continuing education?
  • Career Management What are the most valuable skills to learn before changing careers?

Help improve contributions

Mark contributions as unhelpful if you find them irrelevant or not valuable to the article. This feedback is private to you and won’t be shared publicly.

Contribution hidden for you

This feedback is never shared publicly, we’ll use it to show better contributions to everyone.

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

How can you develop new skills when changing careers? (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5402

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.