The average person can expect to change careers (not just jobs) 3 to 5 times in their working life. Avoid the 5 classic mistakes most career and job changers make.

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Most of the experts say that the average person can expect to change careers (not just jobs) 3 to 5 times in their working life. The reasons? Many people are burnt-out, underpaid, stressed out, bored, unsatisfied, or at a career dead end. For some, their careers have changed on them –thanks to corporate mergers, changes in technology, company restructuring, age discrimination, and a thousand other reasons. After counseling thousands of people in finding new careers and jobs, we have found that there are 5 classic mistakes most career and job changers make:

MISTAKE 1: NO CLEAR GOAL.

Not having a clear goal is like trying to run a race when you do not know where the finish line is. Many career changers have only a partial goal. They KNOW that they want a job with less stress, or more money, or more of a future, or more independence, or more satisfaction. A career goal, however, should be comprehensive, specific, clear, and realistic. It should include not only the practicalities of your situation, but also who you are, the realities of the job market, and the potential pitfalls.

MISTAKE 2: NO CLEAR PICTURE OF YOUR STRENGTHS.

Most career changers (and job seekers) spend more time worrying about their weaknesses than their strengths. Most people don’t even know what their strengths are. But it is your strengths–not your weaknesses–that determine your career success. Get a professional assessment. This should also include your personal characteristics, motivation, aptitudes, goals, values, interests, and talents. A career and job decision is too important not to have this picture.

MISTAKE 3: NO CAREFUL PLANNING.

Sure, most people think about it for a long time, but thinking is not the same thing as detailed planning. Most people plan a night out with friends more carefully than they plan their careers. Planning would mean researching the new career, talking to people who are in the new career, getting some hands-on experience, reading (books, trade journals, industry newsletters), developing strategies for any possible negatives or problems, consulting with a mentor, knowing what education or training you would need, and other actions.

MISTAKE 4: NO MOTIVATION.

As a psychologist who has worked with underachievers of all ages, I can tell you that many have good intentions but fail to take action. This is, of course, a normal human trait. There are times when all of us procrastinate, give ourselves excuses, and do not do the things that will lead us to our goals. If you are changing careers, however, you had better be motivated. Only consistent, daily, well-considered action will get you where you want to go.

MISTAKE 5: NO INDIVIDUALIZED JOB SEARCH STRATEGY.

If you are changing careers, you need something more than the usual job search tactics. You need a strategy that fits who you are as a unique individual and the fact that you are changing careers. For example, if you tell a job interviewer (or anyone else) that you are “changing careers,” it is the kiss of death. You see, if you are changing careers, then you are starting over–from square one–and are competing with kids just out of school. Instead, you should say, “I am taking the next step in my career” (which, actually, is closer to the truth for most career changers). Another example: Make sure your résumé is rewritten so that it doesn’t “lock you in” to the old career. Go light on the jargon. Emphasize skills in the old career that would be a real advantage (not just “transferable skills”) in the new career. If you avoid these classic mistakes, you are well on your way to making a successful job and career change.

India is a great place to pursue an online MBA program. There are many advantages to studying in India, such as the diverse culture and the abundance of opportunities. However, there are also a few drawbacks to consider before enrolling in an online MBA program in India.

1. What is an online MBA program?

An online MBA program is an MBA degree that can be earned through a distance learning program. This type of program allows students to take courses and earn their degrees without having to attend classes on campus. Instead, students participate in online courses, which can be completed at their own pace.

2. The pros of online MBA programs in India

There are several pros to pursuing an online MBA program in India. The most obvious benefit is that you can study from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals who want to continue working while they pursue their degrees. Additionally, online MBA programs in India are often more affordable than traditional MBA programs.

Another advantage of online MBA programs is that they offer a lot of flexibility in terms of course choices. You can choose to specialize in a particular area of business or study a variety of courses. This variety allows you to gain a well-rounded understanding of the business world.

Finally, online MBA programs in India are often very well-regarded. They are often seen as being on par with or even better than traditional MBA programs. This reputation can help you when you are looking for a job after graduation.

3. The cons of online MBA programs in India

There are a few disadvantages of online MBA programs in India when compared to traditional programs. The first is that online programs are often not as prestigious as traditional programs. This is likely because online programs are relatively new, and many employers may not view them as being as rigorous as traditional programs. Additionally, online programs may not offer the same networking opportunities as traditional programs. This is because traditional programs often have on-campus recruiting events and networking opportunities, while online programs do not. Finally, online programs may not be as affordable as traditional programs. This is because traditional programs often receive scholarships and financial aid that are not available to online students.

4. How to choose the right online MBA program in India for you

There are a lot of online MBA programs in India to choose from. How do you know which one is the right one for you? Here are some tips to help you choose:

1. Do your research. Make a list of the programs that interest you and research them thoroughly. Look at the curriculum, the faculty, and the reviews from past students.

2. Consider your goals and needs. What are you looking to get out of an MBA program? Consider the school’s focus and whether it matches your goals.

3. Compare the costs. Make sure you compare the tuition, fees, and other associated costs of the programs you are interested in.

4. Consider the location. Do you want to study in a big city or a smaller town? Do you want to study in India or abroad?

5. Consider the culture of the school. Do you want a traditional Indian program or one that is more international?

6. Talk to alumni. Ask alumni about their experiences in the program and how it has helped them in their careers.

7. Take the GMAT. Most schools require you to take the GMAT before admission. Make sure you are prepared for this test.

8. Apply! Once you have narrowed down your choices, apply to the schools that are the best fit for you.

5. Conclusion

Overall, the pros of studying for an online MBA program in India outweigh the cons. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, India is a great place to pursue your MBA.

Your career, like any journey, has a … an end and … For many people, the present … of … is probably not a result of entirely their … If, for some reason, y

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Your career, like any journey, has a beginning, an end and a
direction. For many people, the present direction of the
career is probably not a result of entirely their own
choices. If, for some reason, you are not happy with the
direction of your career, there is a way out: Take charge of
your career and change its direction.

1. Know yourself

Has it happened with you that after desperately looking for
something (e.g., keys) all over the place, you eventually
found it right in your pocket or drawer?

That’s exactly the case with finding a new career direction.
Usually, we try to search for a new career direction by
looking all around, for example, at hot jobs, emerging
fields, prestigious companies, friend’s career, what’s safe
and so on. Ironically, we fail to look for the answer where
it actually lies: inside us.

The secret of finding the right career direction is not to
look outside but to look inside. Know yourself and you will
automatically know the right direction for your career.

2. Dig deeper

Most people define themselves is terms of what they write in
their resumes. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. To really
know yourself, dig deeper and uncover your:

(a) Strengths
(b) Personality
(c) Values
(d) Interests

(a) Strengths

Your strength is what you do well and enjoy doing it. We
never fail to admire strengths in top athletes, painters,
writers, leaders but fail to ask “What is my strength?”

Strengths have a solid connection with a person’s career.
According to Peter Drucker, a person can only perform from
his strength. In other words, mediocrity is guaranteed if we
fail to use our strengths. So know your strengths and get
into a career that allows you to leverage your strengths to
the maximum.

Discover your strengths by asking:

- What am I good at and also enjoy doing?
- What makes me feel energized?
- What comes naturally and easily to me?

(b) Personality

Personality is the sum total of a person’s behavioral,
temperamental and emotional traits. For example, some people
are by nature extrovert and enjoy meeting other people. But
some people are born introvert and feel more comfortable
when left alone.

Studies show a direct link between a person’s personality
and his career. Indeed, if you are an extrovert person, you
would do well in roles such as sales, marketing, public
relations. But an introvert person would be better off in
roles that do not require public dealing.

To know your personality in detail and its implications on
your career, appear at personality tests such as Myers
Briggs Test Instrument (MBTI).

(c) Values

Values are what you consider important and valuable. Values
differ from person to person and can range from things like
money, prestige and power to more subtle things like
respect, harmony and independence.

Your values hint towards the kind of work that will suit
you. For example, if you value “achievement, “you would do
well in roles that regularly throw challenges at you.
Someone else, however, may value “helping others” and,
therefore, would do well in occupations that provide an
opportunity to serve others.

To know your values, ask yourself what is important to you,
make a list and prioritize the items. You can also use value
inventories on the Internet to identify your values.

(d) Interests

Should the work be interesting? Yes, for an important
reason: If your work arouses your interest, you are going
to do well. History shows that great achievers always pursued
what fascinated them. Akio Morita shunned the option of joining
the family business of sake brewing to pursue what he was
interested in: an electronics start-up. And he created Sony.

Doing the work that interests you can have a lasting impact
on your career. To uncover your interests, find out what
fascinates you and draws your attention.

Knowing your strengths, personality, values and interests is
like having a compass with its needle pointing towards the
right direction for your career.