The following post is sponsored by University of Phoenix
Over the past two years, I’ve made it my personal goal to help more than one million job seekers by encouraging them to find and snag their dream job, regardless of the challenging economy.
Many of the people with whom I’ve crossed paths are stay-at-home moms transitioning back into the workforce after a hiatus. Some made the decision to take a temporary break from the workforce and are now struggling to find employment, and others are finding they are no longer qualified to fill their previous positions.
Whether you have been out of the workforce for one year or 10, I assure you that re-launching a successful career is not as daunting as you might think, provided you take the time to set the right plan to re-enter the workforce. Here are some tips to help get back on the career track:
Take a career-centric approach to your education.
It can be difficult to identify a career path that fits your skills and lifestyle, especially after being out of the workforce for an extended period of time. Some colleges and universities, such as University of Phoenix, offer complimentary career-guidance services like the new Phoenix Career Guidance System, to help you explore your interests – which may be different now when compared to career interests and goals you had before you started a family – and match them to specific careers. The Career Guidance System also provides access to current and recent job and labor market information, allowing you to search multiple job titles across all your areas of interest, see the hiring demand for jobs in your area, view their typical salary ranges and even see what degree programs may align with those jobs.
Get support from the whole family and develop a routine.
Heading back to work can create a tricky balancing act between the needs of your spouse, your children, and your employer, as well as your own needs. Your family can help you meet your new obligations by creating and honoring a household routine that includes dividing up the chores. Also, develop a schedule that includes dedicated study time. Allowing a child to see that their parent is just as dedicated to their coursework as they are to their homework sets an important precedent for the child, both in terms of developing work ethic and setting priorities in one’s life.
It is never too late to build your personal career network.
Getting ahead in your new career path is all about who you know. Take advantage of your university’s vast current student and alumni networks to garner informational interviews with individuals already employed in your desired field or find out about special lecture series, networking events and workshops that allow you to meet new people.
