Things have changed significantly in the last decade, and there are more opportunities for digital marketing and other industries. Those advances are creating jobs that didn't exist ten years ago. Technological advances may inspire you to make a career change that aligns more with your passions and interests.

Making a career change in a new industry can be scary, but it is manageable if you plan the move. You can take steps to help you move to a new industry, which can feel like a stressful endeavor, with ease.

1. Make a List of Your Interests and Talents

If you're unsure of the direction you should point your career, the best place to start is with your passions, hobbies, and skills. Think about everything you enjoy doing, even if you can't think of a related career.

Once you list all your interests and talents, take note of any patterns or themes you identify to help you identify a career match. Identifying interests and hobbies can help you discover where your passions lie and careers that may be the ideal fit.

2. Identify Skills Employers in the New Industry Are Looking For

Once you've identified the industry you want to work in, you can start looking at job listings for your ideal job and taking note of the skills employers are looking for. You can also research professionals in the position you're seeking and list any patterns, skills, and keywords you identify. Doing this research can help you discover the traits that employers reward and the ones that may cause stagnation in your career.

Researching industry professionals can help you set expectations regarding the pace of career advancement. You may consider scheduling informal informational interviews with professionals in the industry you want to work in. You can ask what traits the most successful people in the industry have to help give you focus.

Another way to do your research is to read the LinkedIn profiles and bios of senior leaders in the industry. You can work backward to plot the path they followed and use that as the structure for your journey.

3. Review Your Skill Set and Focus on Your Transferrable Skills

Create a list of the skills you've developed throughout your career. Even though you plan to switch careers, you have abilities that may be relevant to the types of jobs you want in the new industry. Some skills may be more valuable in the new sector, since it's not common for people in the industry to possess them.

You can apply for jobs that match your current skill set, or you can learn new ones to be successful in your new position. Consider your weaknesses and strengths when assessing your capabilities, and take steps to improve the skills you identify as weaknesses.

4. Reach Out to Your Network

Once you're ready to apply for jobs in a new industry, let your network know you are actively seeking job opportunities. Some reports claim employers fill the majority of their positions via referrals.

Friends, family, and past colleagues may work in the industry you want to be a part of, so it helps to invite them for dinner or a coffee to ask for advice. Remember to keep an open mind and write down essential questions you have, so you don't forget to ask them during the meeting.

Attending networking events in the industry you want to pursue is an excellent way to gain visibility and industry knowledge. You can learn aspects of the new industry you might not be aware of, which may provide an opportunity for you to excel.

Being a new entrant in an industry can mean that your first job won't be your last. As you gain more industry knowledge, you may identify a company you want to work with because of its mission.

Networking keeps your options open if you need to make a quick change due to a company closure or a toxic work environment. If you want to increase your network, you may be interested in learning ways to build a professional network on LinkedIn.

5. Surround Yourself With People in Your Desired Industry

You can connect with people in the industry you want to work in by attending courses, conferences, and social events hosted by people in the industry. Even if you're not working in the industry yet, you want to make yourself visible at industry events so that you're top of mind when an opportunity opens up.

Volunteering or becoming an intern are other options you can take to gain insight into a new career and industry. While most internships and volunteer positions don't pay a salary, you can benefit from the valuable work experience you'll gain that may help you with future projects.

Volunteering or interning allows you to shadow professionals and ask them questions about their jobs. Learning about their experiences can help you make well-informed decisions about your career.

6. Pursue Certifications to Develop Your Skills

After deciding on the industry you want to move to, you need to check the standard requirements for the job you want to apply for. Some jobs require specific certifications or degrees. If you discover that the position you want requires a particular qualification, pursue the ones you see in most job postings if you don't already have them.

It may help you get noticed quicker if you go beyond the minimum requirements and pursue an entry-level certification to help you improve your skills in your new career. If you're unsure what certifications to pursue, you may be interested in learning about the best certifications for career advancement.

7. Clearly State Your Intention to Change Industries

When you've identified the skills and experience you need for a job in a new industry, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position you want. You can still include your work history, although it may not be relevant to the job you're applying for. Look for ways to connect your previous job responsibilities to the new position.

Review the job description and emphasize your ability to do the job by relating to similar duties you've previously been responsible for. You can use your cover letter to explain why you're making the change in the industry.

In your cover letter, you can mention the things about the company, position, and industry that excite you. In your resume, mention your most significant accomplishments, even if they aren't related to the job you're applying for. If you're struggling with your resume summary, you might be interested in learning tips to write a winning resume summary (with examples).

8. Reduce Your Debts and Financially Prepare

You may need a monetary cushion while you change careers or industries. When changing careers, you should prepare to take a salary reduction, as you'll probably start at an entry-level position. The change may require that you go back to school on a full or part-time basis for one year or several.

Finding your ideal job may require you to make sacrifices, including decreasing work hours, selling your car, downsizing your home, moving in with your family, or making other significant lifestyle changes. Develop a financial plan to help you prepare if you don't find a job immediately.

Review your savings and upcoming expenses to help determine if you can survive a few months without a job if you're better off keeping your current job while you seek a new one, or going back to school part-time. If you don't already have something to figure out your budget, you may be interested in learning how to create a monthly spending tracker in Google Sheets.

Stay Positive During a Job Search

Making a change is rarely easy, but we do it because we're tired of things the way they are. While many of us are resistant to change, we've all had experiences where the change we resisted ended up working to our advantage.

When we make decisions about our livelihood, we must do as much research as possible. Whether you're on your own or have a family, making a career change is a significant event you shouldn't do on a whim. Do your homework, talk to people in the industry, and keep a positive mindset, and you'll find your ideal job.