Changing career paths is difficult at any level. However, the challenges intensify when you reach the C-suite. That’s why you need well-considered strategies to make a meaningful switch.
At the top rungs of the corporate ladder, your career becomes highly entrenched in a particular industry or specialty. It’s difficult to get people to see you in a new light. At the same time, your options are limited. Given your reputation and your career background, you can’t exactly grab a gig as an intern to reorient your career.
Still, there are steps you can take. Here are some strategies to consider when you are trying to make a career change in the C suite:
Know What You’re Getting Into
Understand the market before you look to make your career change. Target companies that offer substantial growth. Also, define the types of roles that will unlock your full potential.
At the same time, map out the next stages of your career plan. What do you want to get out of your next C-suite appointment? What traits mark an ideal job for you? Once you have these guideposts set, you can better judge your options.
Identify Your Transferable Skills
Yes, a big professional change requires adaptation on your part. You’ll have to master a new role and get used to a new corporate culture. There’s bound to be a learning curve.
But many of your hard-won abilities will cross over to any job. Talents like leadership, communication, and research will help in any C-suite position.
Identify your top selling points from the list of transferable skills. Then, make these the centerpiece of your pitch.
Tap Into Your Network
Connect with your personal and professional contacts to smooth your career shift. Obviously, these connections can help you find a position – networking represents one of the best ways to land a new job. Beyond that though, these conversations provide an excellent way to gather research and intelligence.
Making a career change at the C-suite level requires tact and planning. You’ll need all the advice and insight you can get. That way, you can arrange a painless transition.
Become a Thought Leader
Don’t just seek out your ideal role. Create an environment in which companies will search for you. By becoming a thought leader in your targeted industry, you raise your profile and increase the chances of passive opportunities.
Here are a few techniques to consider:
- Get active on social media
- Publish articles/books
- Arrange speaking engagements
- Appear on panels at industry conferences
- Get Consulting Gigs
Start a Business
Call your own shots. If you want to change careers, don’t look to join someone else’s C-suite. Instead, create your own.
Found a startup. You’ll gather new skills and fresh understanding of an emerging market. You might create a new industry juggernaut from scratch. But even if your new venture doesn’t become the next Amazon or Tesla, can still leverage your startup to open up new opportunities at more established players.
Turn to a Recruiter
Expert guidance can help you land the perfect C-suite position. With the right support, you can move your career in any direction you choose. A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, can match you with the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons.
Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.
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