How to Change Your Career With No Experience
By Stephanie Omonibo – Digital Marketer & CEO of Scents by MoTari
Making a career change is like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute – it’s risky business. My personal journey has been a wild roller coaster ride, complete with twists, turns, and loop-de-loops. While some folks know from the get-go what they want to be when they grow up, for others, figuring it out is more like a Choose Your Own Adventure book where you never know what’s on the next page.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your 9-5 grind or take a leap into entrepreneurship, there’s no denying that change is scary. So, if you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to making a career change, I’m sorry to disappoint – I’m not your gal. However, if you’re seeking guiding principles that will help you make daring decisions in your life, then stick around.
My story has been a wild ride, and I’m still on the journey.
I moved to Canada excited for college but hit a a roadblock when I tried my hand at computer science. I had to figure out the next steps quickly and revisited my high school glory days, excelling in physics and math. I loved learning the concepts but worried about how I could make a career out of it.
Fast forward a bit, I found myself a well-paying job in biotech, but I quickly discovered it was like eating broccoli every day – good for you, but not very enjoyable. So, I decided to take a bold step and start my own business, Scents by MoTari. The first collection sold out like hotcakes, and I was over the moon, even though the money wasn’t pouring in. Then I got another job in biotech which helped me fund my business and save, but something was still missing.
I started analyzing what came naturally to me and how I could connect the dots. It was scary to even think about jumping out of the safety bubble of what I’d studied and worked hard for in the past eight years. But, I decided to take the plunge and dive into the world of digital marketing and remote work.
Making a career change was totally worth it, and I’ve got a bunch of tips to help you switch careers with zero experience. Read on to see my top three.
Don’t be shy to ask questions. 🙋🏾♀️
When considering a career change with no prior experience, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don’t fret! There are people out there who have been in your shoes and are willing to help. It’s important to have conversations with these folks who are already living the dream job you want to have.
Connect with them and learn from their experiences, the skills they have and the challenges they face.
I remember before I made the final decision to transition, I reached out to some industry professionals on LinkedIn, including Tribe Network’s very own Holly Edmonds, and this helped me gain insight into what it takes to be successful in the field.
Life is a team sport. 🫶
In our modern world, independence and autonomy are highly valued, but it’s important to recognize that accountability, selflessness, and interdependence are also essential for a fulfilling life, including when making a career change.
When it comes to a career change, you don’t wanna go it alone. Your family and community are there for you, so it’s important to have some real talk with them before you make big moves. Let’s say you’re a new dad looking to switch things up, you should talk out potential risks and benefits with your partner or close friends to develop a plan that works for everyone.
Good things take time.⏳
In today’s fast-paced world, you gotta stay adaptable and always learning new things. It may not need to be formal training, there are tons of ways to grow personally and professionally, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities!
Now, let’s get real for a sec. Pursuing your dream career isn’t always going to be a cakewalk. Even if you’re doing something you’re passionate about, there will be days when you’re feeling like a total snooze-fest. But if you stick with it and put in the hard work, you can build a solid foundation for yourself and create a career that brings you joy and satisfaction.
I derive great pleasure in what I do now. It’s immensely rewarding assisting other small immigrant-owned businesses to establish themselves and increase revenue through social media marketing and making a positive impact on their businesses and lives.
Just remember that good things take time, and with dedication and persistence, you’ll get there in the end
About the Author
Stephanie Omonibo is a digital marketer who helps small businesses establish a strong online presence on social media platforms. She is also an entrepreneur who runs her own business creating unique scents. With her experience in the digital space, Stephanie is dedicated to helping others achieve success in their ventures.