Changing Careers
Sports Medicine Physician to Team Trainer
Background Information
Considering a Change: Exploring Your Options
Tip 1: Decide what you like/dislike about your current job.
Tip 2: Weigh the pro/cons of quitting your job
Tip 3: Decide whether or not it is worth quitting.
Example: Jim is working for an office as a sports medicine physician, but doesn't like the fact he is always in an office. He wants to be a team trainer because he has always loved sports. He likes his job, he just wishes he wasn't inside all day.
Developing a Plan: Mapping Your Moves
Tip 2 - Narrow down your choices and choose one most interested in.
Tip 3 - Volunteer or job shadow careers you are interested in until you find the right one.
Example - Since Jim already knows what he wants to change to, he decides it would be best if he could job shadow a team trainer to make sure that is what he wants to do, and pick up some tips. He job shadows a team trainer who has been doing that since he has been out of college and Jim absolutely loves it. He has decided he has made the right choice to change careers.
Making the Change: Burning No Bridges
Tip 2 -Give your two weeks notice once you are positive you have the job you are going for.
Tip 3 - Still give your best effort at your old job. You don't want to leave on a bad note because that could come back to haunt you.
Example -Jim applies for several positions as a team trainer to better his odds. He gets calls for several of them and interviews for them. He gets a call from the place he was most interested in and they tell him he is hired. He tells them his situation and says he would like to start as soon as his two weeks are up at his old job. He puts in his two week notice at his old job and ends his last two weeks there on a good notice from his boss.
Beginning the New Journey: Showcasing Your Experience
Tip 2 - Don't be scared to ask questions, you are the new person, they shouldn't expect you to know everything.
Tip 3 - Enjoy your new job. Don't be worried about making mistakes, everybody does.
Example - Jim starts his new job but is nervous about making mistakes. He works with several others that have been there for a long time, but is a little nervous about asking them questions. He soon gets over that. The only thing Jim doesn't really like is that he doesn't have the same authority he had at his old job, but he knows that with hard work and dedication, he can get to the position he wants.