Assess yo’self with SWOT
Hey there! Are you considering a career pivot, career transformation, accomplishing some big life changes? Here's an assessment tool that can help you make a more informed decision. It's called SWOT analysis.
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Let's break it down and see how it can work for you:
Strengths: Start by identifying your unique strengths and skills that can be a great asset in your new career. Think about your past experiences, education, and any certifications you have under your belt.
Weaknesses: Take a moment to consider the areas where you might need some improvement or additional training. This will help you pinpoint where you should focus your efforts in order to thrive in your new career.
Opportunities: Keep an eye out for opportunities in your desired field or industry. This can include job openings, networking events, internships or educational programs that can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Threats: It's important to be aware of the potential challenges or obstacles you may encounter in your new career. This could be tough competition, job insecurity, or a tricky job market.
By conducting a SWOT analysis, you'll gain a better understanding of whether a life change aligns with your personal vision, goals and strengths. It will also help you identify potential challenges along the way. Making informed decisions about your career path will increase your chances of success.
Now, let's break down how you can use a SWOT analysis. First download BGA’s infographic and template to help you in your process.
First, identify your current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.. This will help you understand what you're good at, what areas you need to improve, and what external factors may be influencing your career.
Next, do the same for your desired path. This analysis will help you understand what skills and experiences you need to develop, what obstacles you may encounter, and what external factors may impact your success in the new field.
Compare and contrast your SWOT analyses for your past and future. Look for areas where your strengths and opportunities align with your aspirations, and areas where your weaknesses and threats may pose challenges.
Use this analysis to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives. These objectives should focus on leveraging your strengths and opportunities, addressing your weaknesses, and overcoming potential threats.
Lastly, create a plan to achieve these objectives. Outline the specific steps you'll take to develop your skills and experience, network with professionals in your desired field, and tackle any challenges or obstacles that come your way. Don't forget to regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
By using a SWOT analysis, you'll gain a clearer understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relation to both your current situation and upcoming aspirations. This will help you set specific objectives that will guide you towards your goals. You can download BGA’s infographic and template to jumpstart your SWOT analysis.
Conducting a SWOT analysis empowers you to make informed decisions. You can weigh the pros and cons and determine if your next move is the right move for you. It brings clarity and direction to your goals by deepening your understanding of your strengths and opportunities. A SWOT analysis will help you approach your future with a clear and informed perspective, increasing your chances of success.
Dealing with Limiting Beliefs
Hi friend! 👋🏾
Are you considering a career pivot? It's a bold move that can be incredibly exciting and transformative. I mean….who doesn't love a good challenge that pushes you to grow and develop new skills? Plus, finding a career that provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment is truly priceless.
Now, I know that it's not uncommon for people to experience limiting beliefs that hold them back from making the leap. Those pesky thoughts and ideas we hold about ourselves that limit our potential and hinder our growth can be tough to overcome. So, I'm here to help you identify and tackle some of the most common limiting beliefs you might encounter.
1️⃣ First up, "I don't have the necessary skills or experience." Ah, yes, the classic. But let's face it, you've likely developed many transferable skills in your current role that can be applied to a new career path. Don't forget to highlight these skills and experiences on your resume and during job interviews. And if there are gaps in your knowledge, consider seeking out additional training or certifications to gain the skills you need to be successful in your new career.
2️⃣ Next, "I'm too old/young to make a career change." It's never too late or too early to pursue a new career path. Age should never limit your ability to learn new things, gain new experiences, and develop new skills. Focus on your strengths and the value you can bring to a new role or industry.
3️⃣ And this one, "It's too risky to make a career change." Yes, the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. But taking calculated risks is necessary to achieve success and fulfillment in your career. Instead of focusing on the risks, focus on the opportunities and the potential rewards of making a career change. Do your research, and gain a better understanding of the potential outcomes.
4️⃣ "I don't know what I want to do.", can be a tough nut to crack, but it's important to take the time to reflect on your strengths, interests, and values. Seek out a career coach or take a career assessment to gain clarity on your career goals and the best path to achieve them. Remember, it's okay to take some time to figure things out.
5️⃣ And finally, "I'll disappoint others if I make a career change." I get it. Social pressure and expectations can be tough to deal with. But your happiness and fulfillment are important. You deserve to pursue a career that brings you joy and meaning, and the people who care about you will support you in your pursuit of happiness.
To wrap it up, overcoming limiting beliefs is critical when considering a career pivot. By recognizing and addressing these limiting beliefs, you can gain clarity, confidence, and the courage to pursue your career goals. Remember that making a career change is a journey, so celebrate your successes and learn from your challenges along the way. You've got this! 💕
💥Bonus!💥 Use these affirmations to help you replace the limiting beliefs that you’ve told yourself over the years. Recite them often to counter the negative thoughts.
"I am never too old or too young to pursue my dreams and make a career change."
"I have valuable skills and experiences that can be transferred to a new career path. I am capable of learning and growing in new areas."
"Taking a calculated risk and pursuing my passion is worth it. I trust that I will find success and fulfillment in my new career."
“I trust my intuition to guide me towards a career that aligns with my values and passions. I am excited about exploring new possibilities."
"My happiness and fulfillment are important. I deserve to pursue a career that brings me joy and meaning. The people who care about me will support me in my pursuit of happiness."
Black Women and the Pivot.
The pandemic has prompted many people to re-evaluate their career paths, with many choosing to pivot. *Business Insider's recent article examines how Black women, in particular, are leaving corporate America and turning to entrepreneurship and startups instead. The article cites several reasons for this trend, including the lack of diversity and advancement opportunities in corporate settings, as well as a desire for greater autonomy and control over their careers.
Making a career pivot can be daunting, especially for those who have spent years in one industry or role. However, the article notes that Black women entrepreneurs are finding success and making significant contributions to the economy. For Black women in the US, a career pivot can offer an opportunity for growth, increased financial stability, and greater job satisfaction.
If you are considering a career pivot, it's important to do your research, network with others in your desired industry, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. With the right mindset and approach, making a career pivot can lead to new opportunities and greater fulfillment in your professional life.
However, there are some additional points for Black women to keep in mind when making a career pivot:
The need for representation and inclusion: Black women may face unique challenges in the workplace, including microagressions, systemic racism and a lack of representation. When considering a career pivot, it's important to seek out organizations that value DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and that have a strong track record of supporting and promoting Black women.
The importance of sponsorship, mentorship and networking: Building strong professional relationships is key to success in any career, but it can be especially important for Black women who may face additional barriers to advancement. Seek out mentors and networking opportunities in your new field to help you build connections and gain valuable insights and advice.
Addressing the pay gap: Black women in the US continue to face a significant pay gap compared to their white, male counterparts. When considering a career pivot, it's important to research pay and compensation structures in your new field, and to negotiate for fair and equitable compensation.
The value of continuous learning: Pursuing additional education or training can be a valuable way to prepare for a career pivot and increase your earning potential. Look for opportunities to add to your knowledge toolkit. Your skills and education are uniquely yours. It goes with you from experience to experience. No organization can take it from you.
By keeping these factors in mind, Black women can make informed decisions about their career pivots and take steps to overcome barriers and succeed in their future career journeys.
Ready for a career change? Look no further than BGA! We're here to guide you through the process of making a career pivot. If you're ready to take the next step and want personalized coaching on executing your career transition, let's connect!
Schedule a free consultation with me to discuss your future plans!
Brown, Lydia T. "Black women are leaving corporate America and turning to entrepreneurship and startups at unprecedented rates." Business Insider, 13 December 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/black-women-leaving-corporate-america-entreprenurship-startups-2022-12.