When pivoting careers, networking can open doors to new opportunities. Start by reaching out to your existing connections and sharing your goals. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups, and engage with professionals in your desired field. Conduct informational interviews to learn about their experiences and advice. Volunteering or freelancing in the field can help you gain relevant experience and build credibility. Always follow up and stay engaged to nurture relationships. Networking isn’t just about opportunities—it’s about building meaningful connections that guide your transition.

I love to browse people's profiles on LinkedIn and advise my clients the same. The more you can do it with a genuine curiosity and in a relaxed way - without the pressure of having to achieve something - the more you will enjoy it and the more successful you will be. I have discovered information on people's profiles that led to more information that opened doors that resulted in great opportunities. Be curious, be an explorer, look at people's career paths, how did they get to where you want to be? Ask them! Note what you liked / admired about their profile. Show genuine interest. Be consistent, do this every day, and you will find out - industry trends, career paths, company cultures, unadvertised opportunities...

One thing that I’ve done when exploring new career opportunities is to talk to people working in those areas or in the roles that you are exploring. This gives you the first-hand insights into those opportunities and helps you to further understand what is actually expected out of you.

To explore new career paths through networking, start by reaching out to people who work in the field you’re interested in and ask about their experiences. Attend events, workshops, or industry meetups where you can connect with professionals and learn firsthand about opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn are also useful for building connections and asking for advice from people in your desired career path. Don’t hesitate to talk to friends, family, or colleagues, as they might introduce you to someone who can help. Building genuine relationships and learning from others' experiences will give you valuable insights and open doors to new opportunities.

Key elements I found the most helpful is Networking which a is key during a career pivot. Start by clarifying your goals at first and then updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new direction. Expand your network by attending industry events, joining relevant groups, and connecting with professionals in the field. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights, and don’t hesitate to volunteer or freelance to build experiences. Leverage your existing connections and actively engage in online communities. Finally, focus on building genuine relationships, networking is about giving as much as receiving.

The time to leverage your network is before you are considering a career change. The future is uncertain and the only thing we can control is making sure we are prepared for the uncertainty. Network with people in your industry now. Write articles. Develop new skills. Get on a panel to speak about a topic for which you are an expert. Get your name out there. When I started my firm 18 years ago I had no clients but over the years I had created a network of people who knew my work, and I was active in my professional association, so it was easy for me to establish business. So many people write to me and say, "Hey - I'm looking for a new job I'm going to join SHRM." Too late.

Changing to a new career is definitely not easy; it's starting from scratch all over again. Here are the things I always do: - Attend meet-ups, conferences, and join communities. Be visible and active where the professionals of this new career are. - Learn and practice. You need to gain experience through exposure as fast as possible, which means studying and working in the evenings and weekends. It's not a time to party, but it's temporary and worth it. - Volunteer, become a fractional professional, or freelance. You need to do more than average to build credibility as soon as possible. Effort overcomes talent; you need to have commitment and discipline.

I have found that taking a certification course in the career you are pursuing is an effective way to make a change. It exposes you to other professionals looking to expand their skills and gives you direct contact with instructors who are already experts in the field. When the certification program is completed, post it on LinkedIn and receive the recognition you deserve for your accomplishment.

Embarking on a career pivot can feel daunting, but networking is your bridge to clarity and opportunity. Every conversation is a chance to uncover insights, ignite inspiration, and discover hidden paths. Approach networking with curiosity and purpose. attend events, reach out to mentors, and engage with communities aligned to your interests. Share your story, your goals, and your willingness to learn; people are drawn to authenticity and ambition. Remember, every handshake, message, or coffee chat can be the spark that lights up your next chapter. Be bold, ask questions, and let the power of connection guide you toward your new journey.