With the residual impacts of COVID-19 and a volatile economy continuing to shift the landscape of higher education, it is crucial for higher education staff to be adaptable, flexible, and creative in their careers. This may involve taking on new responsibilities, shifting roles, or even considering a career change outside of the higher education sector. I personally made a career pivot from being an academic librarian to working in a medical education curriculum office in 2021. My background as a librarian has been instrumental in helping me determine if this transition was the right move for me and in succeeding in my new role. Therefore, if you are contemplating a job change but feel limited by your current path, I want to assure you that as a highly skilled higher education professional, you are well-positioned to make changes. In fact, your specialization may even give you an advantage.

To navigate this Career shift, I recommend starting by evaluating what you enjoy in your current role and identifying your goals. Take out a pen and paper and create a table with three columns: roles, goals, and values. Under “roles,” list the tasks and responsibilities that bring you joy in your current position. For example, as a librarian, I loved supporting research and writing, providing fair-use consultations, and presenting to fellow librarians. Once you have these roles listed, you can use them as inspiration for your goals. Do you want to expand on the tasks you already enjoy by taking on more challenging assignments, or do you prefer to stick with what is comfortable? There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, but it’s important to consider your preferences. Additionally, take a step back and reflect on your values both at work and outside of it. What is important to you? Is it feeling appreciated by colleagues, knowing that your work matters, or having a good work-life balance that allows you to pursue your passions or spend time with loved ones? Understanding how your job and professional identity align with your values will guide you in determining your next steps.

If you’re struggling to identify your values, try completing the following sentences:
– I feel a sense of trust when…
– I feel included when…
– I feel a sense of belonging when…
– I feel energized when…
– I feel appreciated when…
– I feel respected when…

Once you have a clear idea of what you want from a job, it’s time to assess your Transferable Skills. To do this, zoom out and brainstorm a list of all the activities you engage in regularly, both job-related and personal. For instance, as a librarian, my list included tasks such as preparing lesson plans and managing a budget, as well as hobbies like cooking and baking. Then, think about how you can articulate these activities to someone who is unfamiliar with them. Break down each task into steps and core activities that can be described as verbs or simple phrases. For example, “preparing lesson plans” can be broken down into activities such as collaborating with faculty, conducting research, and creating detailed lesson documents. Finally, transform these core activities into buzzword phrases that you can include on your resume or in a cover letter. For instance, “preparing lesson plans” can be translated to “developing and operationalizing workflows.”

It’s also essential to consider your level of expertise in your current field and how that expertise can be translated into a different one. Reflect on how you acquired your knowledge and the accomplishments it has allowed you to achieve. Remember, you were once a beginner in your current role, and you were able to develop your skills and understanding over time. Demonstrating your ability to learn new things and adapt is highly valuable to potential employers.

As you embark on your career pivot, it can be helpful to seek inspiration from other Higher Education professionals who have made similar transitions. Look for individuals in your network or explore LinkedIn and professional blogs. Additionally, read articles and interviews about career changers from various industries to gain insights into potential career fields, transferable skills, and professional development opportunities that align with your goals. Consider resources such as New York Magazine’s “How I Get It Done,” AskAManager.org, and The New York Times’ “Like a Boss” series. These resources can provide valuable perspectives on work-life integration and help you clarify what you desire in that aspect of your career.

Once you have identified your career goals and assessed your transferable skills, it’s time to start applying for jobs. If possible, begin your job search while still employed in your current role. This can help alleviate the pressure of finding a new job and is often referred to as “career cushioning.” Create a spreadsheet to track job postings, application materials, and deadlines, and establish a schedule for completing applications. Pay close attention to the job descriptions and tailor your cover letter and resume to highlight your transferable skills, using specific phrases from the job posting to align yourself with the position. Your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to explain why a career pivot makes sense for both you and the employer, reinforcing your enthusiasm and commitment to the new role.

When you land an interview, use your answers to showcase how your past experience directly relates to the new position. Don’t be afraid to express your desire for a new challenge. As someone who now interviews candidates, I appreciate when career changers share why a particular role excites them and how it pushes them out of their comfort zone. Additionally, once you secure your new role and make your pivot, revisit your values and assess your transferable skills periodically. Reflect on your experiences, noting the moments when you excelled or faced challenges. Keeping track of your growth will help ensure you are on the right path.

Remember, even the most experienced and specialized higher education professional can transition to a role that better aligns with their passions and fulfillment. By thoughtfully considering your current position and leveraging your skills, you can achieve a rewarding and successful career pivot.

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