I work with many clients who want to make a career transition. Moving into a new job area can present challenges, the biggest and most obvious is lack of experience. The mistake many job seekers make is waiting until they’re ready to jump ship from their current job to think about what they’ll need for the next one. By then, it’s too late.

The time to think about it is well before you’re ready to make the move. My advice, make a plan to upskill before you’re ready to make a job change.

Start with picking your target. What job is next on your career path? Where do you want to be in 1-3 years?

Check out job postings to identify your gaps. What are the qualifications that you don't meet? What are the tools, systems, software, and skills, used that you're not proficient in?

Determine where you can acquire the needed skills. What courses, certifications, or training is available? Who can you shadow? What extra projects can you take on in your current role? Is there volunteer work you can do in the new area? Pro-bono work for friends or family?

Don't wait! There are many ways to upskill. Acquire the skills you need BEFORE you're ready to change jobs. And practice, practice, practice!

This will allow you to show potential employers that you’re ready to take on a new role and add value quickly without a lengthy learning curve.