New Year, New Career – sound familiar?

You are not alone if you are considering a career transition in the first quarter of the year. In fact, January is the most popular month for career transitions with nearly one in five workers making a job switch after the holidays. This is the prime time as job seekers are reflecting and making resolutions and companies are starting new projects with fresh budgets. This hiring trend continues through the first quarter, so you are not behind if you are just starting your search now.

It's important to recognize that a career transition is a process – and it requires thoughtful reflection and planning for a successful switch. Whether you are looking for a similar role or promotion in your current industry or changing lanes altogether, the process begins within.

At Commerce, we call this first step “Know Yourself.” This step is crucial to gain clarity about your skills, your strengths, your likes and dislikes – and maybe, most importantly your values. This step helps you collect your thoughts so that you can better tell your story to others! It also helps to identify what is non-negotiable for you in your next role. It’s also a time to create some goals to keep you accountable and moving forward in the process with purpose and meaning.

The next step in our process internally is “Know the Bank” but this translates externally, too. It’s about researching and familiarizing yourself with what’s out there. It’s also about connecting with people in the organization or industry to ask questions and gain information to help you continue to refine your search. Again, with defined goals in mind, you can be more purposeful in your research and networking to continue to advance your search.

Only then can you advance to the next step “Plan Your Path.” The adage comes into play here – if you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. Without a clear vision, goals (and support!) you might end up somewhere undesirable. If you care where you end up, this step is incredibly important. Planning your path might include activities such as identifying a mentor, participating in job shadowing, gaining a new certification, joining a professional organization and more.

It is also important to recognize that your next step might not be your final destination and that is okay! It may take some time and thoughtful and intentional action will get you there.

When you work at Commerce Bank, these steps are all part of our ongoing development cycle and the sky is the limit. We want you to have multiple careers here – but it starts with knowing yourself, identifying goals, asking for support and then making it happen.

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If Commerce is where you identify you want to be next, we invite you to apply or join our Talent Community to stay connected.

Check out the article below for some additional tips for a successful career change!

7 tips for a successful mid-life career change. | Commerce Bank