Research in the UK suggests that one in five of us will start to look for a new job in the new year.  The statistics may vary from country to country, but the new year is a time many of us start to consider our lives and where we are heading. 

If this sounds like something you will be doing after the clock chimes midnight this year, then use our simple guide to think how you can achieve your career goals and move forward in 2024.

Your Career Goals
Before thinking about changing career, the first step is to think about what you really want from your career. It can be easy to drift from one job to another or stay in the same job. So think carefully. For example, you might want to –
•    Get a promotion
•    Retrain for a new career 
•    Change to a totally different type of job
•    Move to a different company or organisation
•    Change from full time to part time work or vice versa
•    Set up your own business 
•    Set up a side hustle 

Set Clear Goals!

Begin by defining your career goals. Identify where you want to be in the next year, five years, or even a decade. Setting clear and achievable goals provides direction and helps you stay focused. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps, and regularly evaluate your progress. This approach will keep you motivated and on track.  Once you have decided on your main aim, take some time thinking why you want to do.  For example, why do you want to retrain for a new career? Is it because you hate your existing job, or you think that a different career would suit you better? Or the new career is something you’ve always wanted to do?  
Sitting there on New Year’s Day thinking about starting your own business or retraining can sound great, but do think carefully about why you want to do that and what you hope to achieve from it.

When you have decided on what exactly you want to do, now you need to consider - Where to look for advice? 
Do your research. Find out more about the career or business you are interested in.
•    What skills are required?
•    What are the advantages and disadvantages of the type of career you are looking at? For example, unsociable hours might suit some people, but not others.
•    What experience do you need?
•    Are there specific qualifications required?
•    Do you need certain experience to start a career in this field?

You can find a lot of this information by doing online searches, looking at careers guides, contacting careers officers or looking at job adverts.  Or even talking to people who currently do the job to find out a lot more about what is required. 

This can be a great work to network and build relationships. Building a strong professional network is crucial for career advancement. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with like-minded individuals. Cultivate meaningful relationships with mentors, peers, and industry experts. Networking opens doors to new opportunities, provides valuable insights, and helps you stay connected in your field.  

Assess Yourself
Now you need to look at whether you currently have the right skills, qualities, qualifications and experience to do the job.

Experience
Having the right experience can be difficult. Particularly if you have not worked in the same field of employment before.
Even if you don’t have exactly the right experience to do a job, it could be that your experience so far is relevant.  So pay attention to what you have done in the past, and think how that could relate to the career you are now interested in.

There are other ways to get experience, such as voluntary or unpaid work to gain experience. Some organisations may also take on inexperienced staff and train them on the job. 

Qualifications

Do you have the qualifications you need to start a new career or a new business? If yes, great. If not, how will you gain those qualifications? 
There are a lot of different options for studying today –
•    Face to face teaching
•    On the job training
•    Blended learning
•    Online
•    Flexible studies

Many courses can be studied flexibly around your existing work and lifestyle, so you can train for your new career, whilst you carry on working.

Qualities
Do you have the right qualities to do a job? It is not easy to change our personality, perhaps even impossible, so consider your qualities and whether they fit in with the new career you are looking for. For example, say you are not keen on maths and are not good at paying attention to the fine detail, then a career in accountancy or computer programming may not be for you. 
Be honest with yourself.
Make a list of your qualities.
Do they fit in with what is required by your new career choice?

Skills
Linked to this are your skills. What skills do you have that you need for this new career? 
•    Make a list of things that you are not so good at.
•    Now make a list of things you are good at.
Many of us find it easier to think about what we are not good at, but everyone is good at something. Everyone has skills and qualities, it is just about being honest with yourself.

Finding Your Gaps
You should now have a lot of information on the type of career or business you are interested in. You can download our free Printable Skills Gap Sheet here.

What to do next? 

  
From this, you should see very clearly what you need to do to retrain for a new career, start a new job or start your own business.
You have done most of the hard work, now you need to decide what to do about it.  If you are sure you want to change your job or move into a new career or business, then now you have to start planning how you are going to do this.

If you have all the qualifications, experience, qualities and skills that you need, then now is the time to start applying for suitable jobs.

If you have got gaps, then you may find that you need to 
•    Gain some relevant experience by doing voluntary work.
•    Find ways to gain new skills. This could be through voluntary work, on the job training or taking courses. It depends on what the skills are that you feel you need to improve upon. 
•    Take a course or two to gain new knowledge or update your existing knowledge.  
•    Embrace Continuous Learning: In today's rapidly changing world, learning should never stop. Invest in your professional development by attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing relevant certifications. Stay updated with industry trends, advancements, and new technologies. Continuous learning not only enhances your knowledge and skills but also makes you a valuable asset to employers.   

Building a successful career requires more than just hard work and dedication. It requires strategic planning, continuous learning, and a proactive approach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, here are five top career tips that can help you achieve success and long-term growth.  

Career goals can change.  Sometimes you change your mind and re-evaluating your goals and career objectives may be something that you need to do from time to time. Sometimes training, courses, professional development or even retraining may be necessary to get that promotion or start a job in a field that is completely new to you.  

If you are thinking of starting a new career, a new business or retraining, we offer a wide range of courses.
Contact us to find out more how we can help you to start the career and working life that YOU want.