3 Quick Networking Strategies to Jumpstart Your Career Change in Just 10 Minutes

Making a career switch can feel daunting, especially when you're unsure of what you want next. Many people spend endless hours researching different roles, weighing pros and cons, yet often forget the most crucial step: taking action. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to kickstart this process is through networking—meeting new people and having conversations.

In this article, I’ll share actionable steps to help you move forward, even if you’re still figuring out what you want.

1. Get Real with Where You Are

Before diving into networking, take a moment to reflect on your current situation. Ask yourself:

• What aspects of my current role do I enjoy?

• What skills do I want to use or develop?

• How do I want my work-life balance to look?

  
  

Understanding your starting point is essential for meaningful conversations with others. It helps you articulate your experiences and aspirations clearly.

When I decided to shift from civil engineering to software development, I didn’t immediately know that I wanted to be an Android developer. I spent three months setting up learning challenges for myself, exploring various fields. I built websites, experimented with APIs, tackled data science projects, and took Android classes. During this time, I also attended numerous meetups to meet new people. My intention was simple: to discover what others were working on, what excited them, and what the community around their work was like.

I asked myself, "Do I enjoy spending time with these people?" Let's be real—the people we work with often matter more than the work itself, so it’s essential to choose wisely. For me, I loved the diversity and community among Android developers and felt a natural connection with them. This sense of community is crucial during a transition; it provides support and resources for when you get stuck.

2. Ask Who, Not How

When you're uncertain about your next steps, shift your focus from "How do I figure this out?" to "Who can help me figure this out?"

Networking is all about building relationships and finding the right people to guide you on your journey.

• Identify individuals in your network or community who are in roles or industries you're interested in.

• Reach out to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who might have insights or connections.

• Attend professional groups or industry events to expand your circle.

  
  

This shift in perspective opens up possibilities and provides you with valuable insights that can help clarify your path.

3. Define What You’re Looking For

As you network, be specific about what you hope to gain from these conversations:

• Are you looking for insights into a specific role or industry?

• Do you want to learn about potential career paths that align with your skills?

• Are you seeking advice on how to make a successful transition?

  
  

Being clear about your goals will help guide your discussions and ensure you get the most out of your networking efforts.

Secret Bonus: Sample Informational Interview Messages

To help you get started, here are a few sample messages you can use when reaching out for informational interviews:

• General Inquiry:"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I’m currently exploring new career paths and would love to hear about your experience in [Industry/Role]. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat? I really appreciate any insights you could share!"

• Common Connection:"Hi [Name], I noticed that we both know [Mutual Connection]. I’m interested in transitioning into [Field/Role] and would love to learn about your journey. Would you be willing to chat over coffee or a virtual call?"

• Event Follow-Up:"Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your talk at [Event]! I’m considering a career change and would love to hear more about your experience in [Field]. Would you have time for a brief conversation?"

  
  

Conclusion

Don’t let indecision keep you from making moves. It’s perfectly fine not to know what to do next—acknowledging that uncertainty is the first step in your journey. Remember, everyone’s starting line is different; the important part is that you just get started.

Currently, I’m in the process of doing something similar to my previous transition. I’ve met over 100 new people this year from diverse backgrounds. Knowing that I wanted to build my own service-based online business, I sought out coaching, creator, and tech communities to support me in this transition and learn from their experiences. Each connection provides unique insights and encouragement, helping me carve out my own path.

Now, it’s time to take action: identify networking events or online communities related to your interests and reach out to individuals in fields you’re curious about. Start building connections that can guide you on your career journey!