Into the Unknown

‍Basty’s Notebook

Hi, everyone! My name is Basty, and I’m a data scientist and educator from Metro Manila. If there’s something I value so much, that is education. Education has allowed me to not only dive into the amazing world of code and data, but also to encourage and inspire others to do the same. Read more about me here.

Outside of work and school, I love playing video games like Valorant and League of Legends. I also love listening to Broadway musicals (HAMILTON, DEH, TICK TICK BOOM ALL THE WAY!). Lastly, I LOVE watching Friends, New Girl, HIMYM, and The Big Bang Theory.

Now, let’s take a look at my notebook!

February 2023 Notebook entry

We are now in the month of February, and according to an analysis done by ZipRecruiter, it is actually the hottest month for your job search. February is also known as a month of cleansing. With that being said, and in relation with this month’s theme being “You can adapt and grow at a speed you never thought possible before”, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities that this month brings and make the most of it. So without further ado, let’s go!

Into the Unknown

Advancements in technology have opened up a new world of opportunities for those who are willing to learn and adapt. And the 21st century has been a witness to the rapid pace of technological advancements and the increasing demand for technical skills in the job market. People from all walks of life can now switch careers and gain the skills needed to make a successful transition into the tech world. A lot of individuals, who have been working in non-technical roles, are now looking to shift their careers to technical ones. The good news is that with the right approach and a little effort, one can adapt and grow at a speed they never thought possible before and take their career to the next level.

I would also admit that despite sounding optimistic that changing careers is the way to go, we cannot ignore the inevitable feeling of fear and uncertainty. There will always be that natural feeling of being afraid of the unknown. Who knows what might happen? Who knows if changing careers is the right way to go? The answer is that no one really knows the answer. But without fear, there is no courage. With the right attitude and plan, it’s possible to make a successful transition into a new career path. 

Taking Control of Your Career Path

Let’s now take a look at some of the ways you can take control of your career path as a career shifter:

1. Embrace the change
   
   As a career shifter, it’s important to accept the change that comes with making a career switch. It can definitely be scary at the start because you are stepping on unknown waters, but only by fully embracing it can you overcome that fear.
   
   
2. Identify your strengths and interests
   
   Identify your skills and interests in order to determine the best path for your career transition. Do you have coding experience in the past? Perhaps you’re strong when it comes to problem-solving? Or maybe you’re into getting insights from the experience of a user? Whatever your strengths, passions, and interests are, all of these can help inform your decision in choosing a new career path.
   
   
3. Learn the basics
   
   You can never go wrong with the basics. No one can suddenly become an expert on something without going through hours of practice with the basics. So take the time to research and learn the basics of the industry or job you are considering. Go ahead and take classes, study the necessary skills, or even create a portfolio!
   
   
4. Gain practical experience
   
   Project-based learning is perhaps one of the best ways of learning something new. Getting hands-on experience by taking projects or internships will expose you not only to the skills that are being sought out for, but also the best practices and different perspectives of other people.
   
   
5. Network with others in the industry
   
   Whenever you transfer to a new school, your first goal is to always find a new friend. It goes the same when you’re shifting to a new industry. Connect with professionals in the industry to learn more about the job market, employers, and job opportunities. You’ll be surprised how a simple “hello” can change the course of your career.
   
   
6. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies
   
   I’ve mentioned this a lot already in my past blogs, but I cannot stress it enough that as technology continues to evolve, we as humans and professionals, also need to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in whatever field we are considering.
   
   
7. Seek mentorship
   
   This tip connects perfectly with networking with others in the industry. Finding a mentor or coach in the industry is like finding a friend that will always be there for you when things are getting heavy. They give you help in the form of guidance and answer to the questions you have as you wander into the “unknown”
   
   
8. Be patient and persistent
   
   The transition process may be scary and long, but always remind yourself to stay focused and determined. With a bit of grit and a growth mindset, you’ll succeed in this journey in no time!
   
   
9. Continuously improve
   
   Lastly, as you progress in your career, take the time to continuously improve on yourself in order to remain competitive and successful. Growth mindset is the key!
   

Conquering the Unknown

To end this blog, let’s both acknowledge that taking control of our career path, especially as a career shifter, requires a lot of courage, grit, and hard work. However, with the right attitude, determination, and a growth mindset, you can make a successful transition into a new career path of your choice. 

Take the time to identify your skills and interests, research the basics, gain practical knowledge, network with professionals, stay updated with the latest trends, and seek mentorship. With these tips in mind, you can conquer the unknown and make the most of the opportunities that February brings! 

Never stop learning!

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