5 Practical Steps to Shift Your Role in the New Year

A new year is approaching and with it comes a time of reflection and strategic planning, especially with your career. Whether you're looking to pivot to a new field, deepen your expertise, or simply explore your options, this is the perfect time to chart your next career move. Here are five strategies to guide your journey toward a fulfilling career shift for the new year.

1. Assess Your Transferable Skills

Talent development professionals possess a wealth of transferable skills—facilitation, coaching, program and project management, curriculum design, and more. Start by taking inventory of these skills and mapping them to roles in adjacent fields like organizational development, human resources, or leadership consulting. Tools like skills mapping templates or the ATD Talent Development Capability Model™ can help clarify how your current expertise aligns with new opportunities.

Pro Tip: Use platforms like LinkedIn to explore job descriptions in your areas of interest; or enter those transferable skills you love using into ChatGPT to ask for titles and industries they align with.

2. Expand Your Network

Your network is one of your most valuable assets when considering a career shift. Reach out to peers, mentors, and industry professionals to learn about their roles and gather advice. Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with professionals in fields you’re curious about. LinkedIn and low-cost online options like the Branch Out and Thrive Virtual Career Summit can offer valuable advice and connections.

Action Item: Join groups and associations related to your target industries, such as the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), or even niche groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup.

3. Upskill Strategically

A career shift may require learning new tools or methodologies, especially if you're moving into adjacent fields like from facilitation to e-learning design or instructional design to project management roles. Explore certifications, micro-credentials, or online courses to gain the knowledge and credentials you need to succeed in your new path. Mix in education with experience by developing an example of your work in this area, like a short-course e-learning module in Rise or a slide in PowerPoint on a project you helped manage with results highlighted.

Pro Tip: Determine which certifications are needed and which ones an organization will pay for after they hire you. For example, with high-level program management you will most likely need a Project Management Professional designation (PMP), but for mid to lower-level project and program management roles you can often be hired without one and then lobby the organization to foot the bill for you to obtain one.

4. Volunteer and Freelance

Before committing to a full career shift, test the waters through part-time opportunities or volunteer work. Gig platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with short-term projects in e-learning, coaching, or project management. Volunteering with local nonprofits, charities, or professional organizations is another great way to gain experience and build a portfolio.

Pro Tip: Create a profile on a freelance platform and apply for a small project that aligns with your target role. Research professionals in the role and discuss with them what their day-to-day is like as well. This insider perspective can help you understand if this transition sounds right for you.

5. Craft a Personal Brand

Your personal brand should reflect your expertise, values, and aspirations. Refresh your LinkedIn profile, build a portfolio showcasing your work, and engage with content relevant to your target career. Blogging, speaking at conferences, or hosting webinars can further establish your credibility in new fields.

Pro Tip: Your brand is you! Don’t try to force yourself into something you are not, but try to narrow down your scope so you and others can easily articulate what you do and what value you bring.

When you are considering a job transition, it’s important to think about a number of factors before jumping ship. Of course, if you know your organization is going to have a reduction in force, you might be feeling a sense of urgency in aligning your resume and cover letter toward that next role. Taking time to assess your skills, understanding what motivates you, expanding your network, and experimenting strategically, you can confidently navigate your career shift. Remember the key to success lies in taking proactive steps and staying open to opportunities that align with your passions and strengths. Good luck and happy hunting!