By Judith Natocho
Career change is one of the most terrifying transitions for young professionals to make. Children growing up usually have dreams some of which they hold dear till they pursue their higher education. In as much as one may study a particular course at the University, the job market in most cases exposes one to the possible career paths they least expect.
According to research made, 87% of Ugandan graduates fail to find jobs or opportunities befitting of what they studied. This situation forces many to opt for job opportunities out of their study scope. In Uganda, it is common practice to find a lawyer working in an Advertising agency as a designer, or an engineer working as an auditor.
Work experience usually exposes several to their strengths and as such, what one can specialize in. This exposure also opens up doors to possible career changes. Career change is a huge and scary decision, however, once made, the joy and relief felt is normally mind blowing.
Prior to making such decisions certain checks and balances are required to ensure a smooth transition.
- Backup plan: Having an active income earning source is key. As such, in case one is in active employment, it is vital to have an alternative that will still generate one income amidst the career change.
- Passion: Once one is passionate about the work they will be doing, just like a ripple effect everything falls into place.
- Research: Intense research into the next venture will inform the transition decision, as well as better prepare oneself for the what lies ahead.
- Ambition: The zeal to get better at what you do, breaking the status quo whilst shattering the glass ceilings found in a given workplace will enable one achieve the most in the career they opt to take on.
Youths and young adults are encouraged to be open minded as well as daring. Failure to face the fear of changing career leaves several in what one would refer to as a death sentence in their career.
In my own testimony, it was only until I embraced changed and opted to move from the education sector to Pay TV operator, MultiChoice Uganda, that I began enjoying the fruits of my labor and labor itself.
Currently as a supervisor in the Customer Experience and Care department, mantras like: Honesty have held me at the helm of my career. It is therefore in this regard that I urge the youth to embrace positive mantras that they can live by through their works.
My life is purposely driven by one of Myles Munroe’s quote on character, “Solid character will reflect itself in consistent behavior, while poor character will seek to hide behind deceptive words and actions.” I define character as a commitment to a set of values without compromise. And values are things you value.
The Author is a Supervisor Customer Experience and Care at MultiChoice Uganda.