Planning a career pivot? Personal brand consultant Áine Killelea says defining who you are is the first step …
The average person will spend one third of their life at work. That’s 90,000 hours spent working throughout their lifetime. That statistic might sound frightening if you find yourself in a career that you don’t find rewarding or one that doesn’t fulfil you. How many of us are actually doing what we want to be doing? The idea of a “dream job” might not be possible for everyone, but engaging in work that you find satisfying can undoubtedly lead to greater happiness and self-worth. It might just take a little more self-awareness to discover what that means for you, and to explore how you can find a career that aligns with your interests and, importantly, your values.
Photograph by Julia Monard
Who are you? It’s the first question personal brand consultant Áine Killilea asks her clients when she begins working with them, before getting to who they want to be. Defining who you are, she explains, helps you tell your own story, and is key to achieving your goals. “A total career pivot can absolutely be accomplished at any stage of your life,” believes Áine, who gives workshops for clients in the corporate world and works one-on-one with C-suite professionals, helping them enhance their professional image and advance their careers. “Once you have explored the new area or role you wish to pivot into, ensure your objective is as clear as possible and do not deviate from it. Then start building a route map that will take you to where you want to be.”
“A total career pivot can absolutely be accomplished at any stage of your life”
If you’re stuck in a career rut, unmotivated, bored or feeling trapped, engaging an expert like Áine who will listen and offer genuine advice can support you as you navigate the change and plot that route. “Change is always uncomfortable on some level but we cannot grow without it,” explains Áine. “Many clients who come to me are coasting along in a role that may serve financial and other needs but does not light them up on any level, which leads to overall career and life dissatisfaction. Once they make the decision to change career, every time they make a move towards transition they feel their spark return. It’s remarkable to see the joy even the thought of change can bring to people.”
Start by speaking to people working in the industry you want to enter, she advises. Talking to people who actually have a similar role to one you are interested in is one of the best ways to gather information. Just don’t waste people’s time. “You need a robust 30-second elevator pitch which gives insight into what you have done previously and where you would like your career to go next,” says Áine. “People will be willing to help if you have a clear, concise list of points on which they can advise, when they know what it is that you need from them,” she explains. Be sure to acknowledge their time and advice. “Making people feel both they and their time are valued will make a remarkable difference to you succeeding in a career pivot.”
Find out everything you can about your new career path and any qualifications you may need to get there. Outline quantifiable goals (big or small) towards your career pivot and actionable steps to help you achieve them.
What you wear is important in this process. “Enclothed cognition describes the effects of clothing on your mental and emotional processes. Clothing can change how you think, how people perceive you and how you present yourself,” says Áine. “Ask yourself: do I want to take charge? Do I want to be more visible? Do I want to be seen as empathetic? And then dress accordingly. When you define what you want others to know about you in the professional environment you can impart these messages through your clothes. If you want to be considered a forward thinker, fresh shapes, textures and cuts can signify this. A wish to be known as vibrant and energetic can be communicated through the use of strong colour. These cues can be one of the most powerful tools we have. Colour is a woman’s superpower – we need to use it!” www.ainekillilea.com
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