Many people are deciding to change careers—at different stages in their lives and for many different reasons. Most people decide to change their careers in the mid-part of their life, usually between 40-50 years of age, although it may be easier to change at the beginning of your career when you are a younger age. The average person changes careers three to seven times during their lifetime. Besides the mid-life career change at the age of 40, many people of all ages (25-60 years old) are deciding to change careers for many different reasons. (Pollitt 2008) Career changes are now becoming popular at younger ages and career changing is happening more than once during a person’s career. Today, career changes are the norm rather than the exception.
People also change careers because “careers and work mean different things to different people at various life stages…A younger person joining the full-time workforce may value perks like travel and company cars. A decade later, the same employee with a family and mortgage may seek interesting, dependable work with flexible hours and benefit plans. Middle-aged employees may opt for positions that let them work from home or create a “virtual workplace” from distant location while enjoying life in a year-round resort setting.” (Is it time to switch careers?, 1996).
The ‘when’ of career change also includes some ‘whys’ and the reasons why people change careers are many and varied. Many people who change careers do so because of downsizing at their company, the need to make more money, or because they want to feel fulfilled and their current career has lacked fulfillment. Other reasons include boredom with a current position, a lack of opportunties to move up in their current career, seeking a better life-work balance, and wanting to earn a living from something they enjoy doing. (Pollitt 2008)
In short, there are many career changes taking place in people’s lives at different times and for various reasons.
Why - Why Would Someone Choose An Alternative Career?
Why would someone with a MLIS degree seek out an alternative career? As with any other career, there are many reasons why a person with a MLIS degree may wish to seek a non-traditional library job. They could be bored, burnt out, or dissatisfied with their current position. They may not wish to take on a management or supervisor role so they realize that they are at the top of their ladder and yet still wish to move onward. Lack of job security may also force a person to look for an alternative career in the library profession.
Income is another reason why a person may seek an alternative library career. Non-traditional library careers and other alternative careers tend to pay better than jobs in a traditional library setting (Dority, 2006). For most people, and especially those just starting out in the profession, income is extremely important. Often those just graduating with a MLIS have student loans looming over their heads. They need to make sure that their first job pays well enough for them to live off of and enough to pay back their student loans. Most entry level library jobs will not meet this need so graduates are forced to seek alternative jobs. Also, with the high number of MLS graduates and the recent trend of library downsizing, traditional library jobs can be hard to come by.
There are also those people who never desired to work in a library yet went on to earn a MLIS degree anyway. They realized that the skills acquired in a library science program are transferable to other jobs. Some of these transferable skills include: online communication, problem solving, research, computer software and Internet skills, organization, and the ability to find out what information a person is really seeking, better known as the reference interview. Being able to master these skills is very important in today’s job market especially with the current technology and the over abundance of electronic information that is presently available. It is for this reason that some people feel they will be well prepared for any job dealing with all types of information after attaining a MLIS.
Another reason why a person may choose an alternative career path is because she or he may have stumbled upon their niche while working in a library. A librarian may become passionate about a certain aspect of his or her job. They may realize that instead of being a librarian and only dealing with this area every so often that they may wish to pursue this as a full time job. For example a librarian may enjoy working with the library’s software program so much that they decide to seek a job in this field.
Questions:
- Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
- Does your experience agree with the information provided?
- When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you?
- Do you believe more MLIS graduates will begin seek alternative library career? Is there a certain field you believe more MLIS graduates will flock to than others?
- What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs? Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
Mel.org’s Jobs and Careers Pathfinder:
http://www.mel.org/SPT--BrowseResources.php?ParentId=425
Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor website
http://www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp?ct=OOH
http://www.liscareer.com/
Alternative careers workshop. (1998, March 31). Retrieved April 3, 2008, from Catholic University of America: http://studentorg.cua.edu/asis/march98.htm
Dority, G. K. (2006). Rethinking information work: A career for librarians and other information professionals. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
McKay, D. R. (2008). How often do people change careers? Retrieved April 15, 2008, from http://careerplanning.about.com/b/2006/07/28/how-often-do-people-change-careers.htm
Sarwanawadya, P. (2008 ). Is a midlife career change the way to go? In EzineArticles.com. Retrieved April 15, 2008, from http://ezinearticles.com/index.php?Is-A-Midlife-Career-Change-The-Way-To-Go?
Pergander, M. (2007, October). Leaving Libraries: Why do some librarians switch careers? (part two of two). Retrieved April 15, 2008, from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/ala/education/empopps/careerleadsb/workingknowledge/workingknowledge1007.cfm
Pergander, M. (2007, September). Positions of Transition. Retrieved April 15, 2008, from Why do some librarians switch careers? (part one of two): http://www.ala.org/ala/education/empopps/careerleadsb/workingknowledge/workingknowledge0097.cfm
Pollitt, L. (2008). Career change happens. Retrieved April 15, 2008, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Career-Change-Happens&id=694710
Prepared by Jennifer Keith and Lynn Shemwell, Group Seven, April 17, 2008.
29 comments:
I think that if I were considering an alternative career, it would most likely be while raising young children. If doing consulting or some other type of work out of my home meant more time with children, that would be a big plus.
I do not necessarily think that it looks bad to have many career changes on a resume. Some employers view this sort of thing as a sign of disloyalty. I think employers who look at resumes this way miss out on candidates with a lot of experience and knowledge. I know in my current workplace, loyalty is a big deal and the man who hired me was extremely uptight about career and job changes. We simply no longer live in a world where people stay in the same job for 30-40 years, and that isn't necessarily bad. As the post says, it keeps people from being burned out and bored yet still in the job. Libraries and other institutions are better off if people are vibrant and excited to be there.
I am not sure if employers would view an MLIS as an asset or not. I think that there are many people out there who still don't know that librarians are professionals, and would have no idea what knowledge was taught in an MLIS program. Assuming the employer knew what it was, I definitely think it would be an asset.
I think it looks better to have job switches on a resume than complete career changes. As an employer, if I saw a lot of complete changes of direction, I would wonder at the attention span of the applicant, and also wonder how long that person would be satisfied at the position I was offering. I have heard several young adults my daughter's age (25) mention that at college they are told to stay in their first job just a couple years, then start looking for a new job. I don't think the professors are necessarily promoting career changes here. My dad, who retired close to 20 years ago, was with his company for 42 years, and I have been with my current employer since the early 80's in a variety of positions. What does it say about a person who is content to stay where they are? I don't feel as if I'm stagnant--I feel as if I am constantly growing, just within the same environment.
#3 I have lived in the same county all my life, as has my husband. I suspect that when he retires in about 10 years, we will be making a move to a somewhat warmer climate. This will force upon me a job change, if not a total career change. Once he retires, will I want to work a 9-5 job? I believe that I will be wanting to spend more time together with him and that could involve looking into whatever alternative careers may exist for LIS grads at that time.
#5. Customer service is an important LIS skill that transfers to a multitude of other jobs. Multitasking is another skill that transfers over, being able to handle more than one project at a time is a skill that is important in any job category. Yes, library skills are an advantage to employers. Research skills, organizational skills, customer service skills...these are all important.
I think that if a resume shows many changes, career or job, that it can be worked to an advantage. If the experience of each job helped to hone a different skill and that was sufficiently demonstrated on a resume then employers could see the benefit. It could enhance your chances of at least getting an interview.
Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
I found two brief yet interesting blogs pertaining to whether people think an MLIS degree is an advantage or a drawback. The blog links are posted below:
http://ask.metafilter.com/15330/MLIS-vs-MIS
http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=6731
In my opinion I think that an MLIS degree is an advantage and should definitely be marketed that way on a librarian's resume regardless if the resume is for a non-library employer because the skills learned from an LIS program are definitely skills that would be useful to other career fields.
I don't believe it is bad to have career changes on a resume, as long as the individual was able to learn something from each position and apply it to their current job. I do, however, believe that job changes should be carefully considered and done for appropriate reasons, not just because you can.
I might choose an alternative career if I am unable to find a traditional position after graduation. I may also look into different options if I were to start a family, so I could spend more time with them.
Jessica Kay-Oosterhouse
I am heading in a little bit of a different direction even though I am changing careers it is to a librarian. I am a teacher and am going for a change by taking these courses. I am one who will easily become bored with a job if it is no longer a challenge or way to advance.
As far as to many jobs on a resume I think the employer looks more at why: are you changing jobs because you are looking for advancement, been layed off, or were you fired. If you were constantly fired or changing for no good reason than that would not look good on a resume.
Do you believe more MLIS graduates will begin seek alternative library career? Is there a certain field you believe more MLIS graduates will flock to than others?
I think that more MLIS graduates will begin to seek alternative career paths because there seems to be a growing number of opportunities in alternative careers.
From my personal opinion I think that more people will flock towards technology because thepay is greater and there is a higher demand.
Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I think this is totally dependent upon the field. I have a very mixed background with regards to employment. Some places have found this makes me more of a diverse asset to their establishments, others find it too scattered. I think it is important to have a keen eye on career options as a hole because they tend to be more competative over the years.
I think that career and job changes on a resume could go either way.
In a positive way, the job candidate could be learning a great number of skills from different jobs/careers. If that person can transfer those skills to the position they are applying for, this could definitely be positive.
However, if there are a large number of job changes in a very short time, this can signal to potential employers that the candidate may be unstable and unable to stay at a job. Perhaps the employer takes the time and money to train the candidate only to have the person leave a month later. The employer has to go through the whole hiring and training process again with someone else.
Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I think it looks bad on a resume when the individual has several different jobs in a short amount of time because that tells me there's something wrong. In my opinion, it's important to have experience in a variety of fields, instead of just one. It incorporates the idea of experience and the ability to learn on the job, which are both positive attributes to have. Furthermore, different careers or jobs shows the individual can adopt, and has done so in the past. Granted, some employers may look for X amount of years in the specific field they are applying for, however, some jobs incorporates utilize some skills that some people would never have thought about. These skills could transfer into the new job. In closing, experience is without a doubt the most important factor in regards to employment.
Here is a job with the U. S. Forest Service. It is listed as a librarian position, but that is mostly because of strict employment guidelines in the federal government. Note that there is no mention of typical library tasks. The fact that a person has a MLIS and experience in the information workplasce can open doors to jobs outside of the typical while not completly leaving the field.
DUTIES:
Develops programs related to information resources. Analyzes, plans, develops, coordinates or serves as project manager for courses of action and methods needed to support, design, and implement projects, in an area of specialization of an interpretive or advisory nature.
Supports agency-wide activities within the technical information area by reviewing and analyzing data; developing strategies, analytical models, and methodologies; and providing assistance and advice on sectoral issues.
Accomplishes work related to the conceptualization, design, documentation, and management of technical information programs or projects. Designs, documents, and evaluates mission-specific and/or centralized technical information programs or projects.
Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I think it all depends on the time span of these changes. If the changes occur within only months or only a few years, then yes, it would look bad. But one who works for several years in a position, then decides to move doesn't look so bad.
What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs?
As Mary had pointed out, customer service is a skill that is of value for many other professions from sales to business to health care. In addition, librarians also have much experience with up to date technologies. We know that living in the information age, it is important to understand the value and uses of technology.
Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
I feel that in most cases, if not all, MLIS would be a plus. Librarianship is a very honorable career and therefore I feel would be viewed as a positive.
I don't believe it is a bad things to show changes on your resume as long as things changes demostrate growth and desire to further advance and develop in your career. Past generations have stayed in the same job for 20, 30 years but with layoffs, buy outs, and restructing job security just is not what it use to be. I believe that are many employers that recognize that because the job market reflects it.
Tory Wells
Like many others who've posted, I would consider a career change if I had small children. Ideally, I would like to be a full time librarian until I get married and have children, but I would want to work only part time while raising the children. One of the reasons I went into this field is because of it's adaptability.
I don't think it looks bad to have many changes on a resume. I think diversity can be a good thing. Broadening ones interests can be really good so that someone can adapt to more careers.
I think having an MLIS degree would look good to non-librarian because now being a librarian means having many technical skills. We are becoming computer experts and that works in many fields.
I think that an employer should take into account also the age of the applicant at the time of many job changes. For example, I switched jobs a lot in high school - from retail to food service and such - and each change taught me new skills. Now I've been in my current career for 6 years so I am much more stable. As long as the applicant explained their changes adequately either in their resume or in the interview, changes aren't necessarily a negative.
Having an LIS degree is a bonus, in my opinion (as long the employer doesn't think it's an advanced degree in shushing!) A graduate degree in and of itself shows intelligence and dedication, and an LIS degree contains skills in technology that are extremely marketable today.
Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes?
Not as long as you can sufficiently justify the changes. A wider range of experiences can mean a wider range of skills.
Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes? If you're constantly quitting or being fired from jobs, it's bad. In a lot of fields, it's normal to only work somewhere a couple years and move up or move on...
Does your experience agree with the information provided? I went from graphic design/journalism to library work (with a considerable overlap). I intend to leave after a couple years if my employer doesn't pick me up from the contractor.
When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you? I tend to apply everywhere, so I can choose as opposed to waiting to be chosen.
Do you believe more MLIS graduates will begin seek alternative library career? Yes. People go where the jobs are.
Is there a certain field you believe more MLIS graduates will flock to than others? What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs? I think publishing is an easy jump. You're just on the other side of the vendor-client relationship.
Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback? Diversity of experience is a good thing.
Meagan, I agree with you. I feel if someone has many job changes in a short amount of time it may send off a red flag to the employer. They may not want to risk hiring and training them if they are only going to leave after a short amount of time. Although, like Tory mentioned, if the job changes reflect advancements in a person’s career then I could see where an employer would see this as a positive aspect.
Rodger, I would never expect a job with the U. S. Forest Service to be posted as a library position. This job description is a great example of an alternative MLIS career. It really shows how the skills we gain while achieving our MLIS can be transferred to many different careers.
When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you?
I would possibly choose an alternative career, if I was in a financial bind or my job was downsizing. In these two instances I would look for a job that would be able to help me pay my bills. I would attempt to find a career that would allow me to use many of the skills that I obtained in my previous professions.
What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs?
Organization is a major library skill that I believe would definitely transfer to other jobs.
Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
I think that others would view a MLIS as an advantage because it will provide you with knowledge on being able to deal with customers, perform an effective search for information based on a good research interview and as I mentioned before, organization, which will allow the person to take large amounts of information and put it in a particular order that will give it easy retrieval for potential users.
Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I do think that it looks bad to have many different career changes. If I was a potential employer I would want to hire an employee that has some dedication to their job. If they are changing careers every couple of years it would seem like the person may get bored in a job every couple of years. This could be bad for the company because in some fields it could take a couple of years to actually train someone to do a job on their own successfully. This would cause the company to have to start from scratch in finding a person to fill the position. Therefore people with career changes may not be so highly looked upon.
1. Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I think it looks better if you were able to stay with one company/library for a longer period of time regardless of the job titles you may have had within it. This shows that you are dedicated to something and aren't always looking for something new as soon as you start a job. I think that one company/library change is fine, but having more can start to look bad.
3. When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you?
This is not necessarily of interest to me right now, but I would start looking at alternative careers if it was too difficult to find a traditional job in the area in which I wanted to live. If I could stay where I was living by working at an alternative career, I would definitely consider it.
4. Do you believe more MLIS graduates will begin seek alternative library career? Is there a certain field you believe more MLIS graduates will flock to than others?
I think that more MLIS graduates will look to these careers especially in Michigan. People are looking for a challenge that pays well, so this may be the area for them to search in.
1.Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
Unfortunately it's not up to us to decide whether or not it looks bad, but it's the employer's decision. If someone moves from job to job every 6 months or less and an employer is looking for a long-term employee, then that candidate obviously isn't going to be as seriously considered as others. With such frequent movement, I don't believe it would matter whether it was a change in career or just a job switch.
3.When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you?
I anticipate working in the traditional library setting for at least a few years, then once my skills have been solidified I might look into an alternative career.
5. Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
I can't imagine any employer viewing a master's degree from any field as a drawback. If they do, then I don't want to work for them anyway!
1. Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I don’t think career changes are a bad thing. As was mentioned in the post, it has become the norm rather than the exception. I received my BA in history education and realized during my student teaching that I wouldn’t be happy spending my life as a teacher. Rather than just settling, I decided to go back to school and get a graduate degree in a field that was a better fit for me. My potential employers shouldn’t think less of me because of that.
5. What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs? Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
One valuable skill that was not mentioned in the post is customer service. It’s imperative that we know how to work with the public. That skill can be easily transferred to a variety of fields.
There’s a strong possibility that a non-library employer wouldn’t realize the value that a MLIS holds or the skills that a holder of this degree possess. It would be up to the person with the degree to sell it to a potential employer, to show them that is a major advantage and not a drawback.
I don't think it looks bad for a resume to have different career changes, but I do think a lot of job changes can look bad, especially if each job isn't held for a particularly long period of time. That smacks of unreliability. I suppose it depends on the field (or career) you're moving into, but generally I think I'd find someone who has tried a few different careers would bring a breadth of experience to the table that would be lacking in someone who has pursued a single career their whole life.
I also can't imagine having an MLIS could ever be a drawback. Balanced against a raft of MBA clones, I expect an MLIS would stand out (and in the job pool, being noticed is an important first step). Much like there's always a call for clear writing, these days there's always a call for comfort with information, technology, and information technology.
First, I made a career change from social work to education and am now earning a MLIS. I am still fairly young and thus far young enough to realize I don't want to be confined to one path. I think that all the experience I have links together and I could sell this to a potential employer. I was glad to hear that a person can change careers up to seven times in a lifespan. This means to me that I won't have to grow up any time soon:)! But seriously, I think most employers are not expecting you to stay thirty years as in years past, but they do want you to bring skills and enthusiasm to the table that can help their company grow during your time there.
My resume incomporates many variant experiences from a hostess to a teacher. It has always been a positive issue in all jobs interviews’ because the more variant experiences on the CV the better the chance to get a job. But what can be considered as career changes is my shift from a teacher to a librarian. In my undergraduate I have majored in Education and received my teaching diploma, when I went out to the real world and taught for a while I discovered that this ain’t the career I want. Later on, I decided to move on and I received a job at a library. First it was just a job for me but when I started to get involved in the tasks I found myself interested in this career and I have the chance to receive a scholarship for an MLIS degree. Now my CV includes teaching and librarian and I think that this issue added to my CV. Actually I was teaching at a school and one of the reasons that I was selected to receive a scholarship is that I had a teaching experience. I will be working on the reference desk where I am asked to teach classes!!! Now that I reached my MLIS degree I would like to go for my PHD in business management, I don’t feel that a degree in Library science would add to my career a lot. Of course between the degrees there should be a link something common to be effective, and my choice for business management so that I won’t be tied to work all my life as a director in a library setting. I think that there is no time limit or appropriate time for education!!!
1. Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different
It only looks badly if there are many position changes in a short period of time. Even then, it is easy to tailor your resume. You can format it as a skills resume or highlight the jobs where you stayed the longest as "related work experience."
3. When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you?
Training others would appeal to me.
5. What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs? Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
Of course employers will view these skills as advantages. So many library skills are transferable including research, technology, customer service, and organization.
I enjoyed reading about the different ages of when people leave their jobs. When I was fresh out of college in my early 20s I was willing to take just about anything. Anything that would give you some experience and a decent paycheck. As I move into my 30s, I am thinking more about flexability as I start to think about having a family. My husband on the other hand, is looking at security and a bigger paycheck for that family and mortagage payment.
I agree with James that having many different jobs in a short amount of time could raise some red flags with employers. I think they would want to know why you jumped around in so many jobs. However, job changes after a year or two could be seen as having lots of experience and employers seem to really like the experience factor.
1. Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
It's becoming less and less common for people to have the same job or career for 30 years, so I don't think it automatically looks bad. A person with several job or career changes on his or her resume who was concerned about this could organize it by skill sets or job functions instead of by the jobs themselves.
2. Does your experience agree with the information provided?
Yes and no. I made the decision to return to school right now because I wanted to do it at a time when I didn't have other responsibilities and could focus just on school. I also want to be finished by the time I'm 30 and before I start a family so I have the freedom to relocate wherever my dream job takes me.
4. Do you believe more MLIS graduates will begin seek alternative library career? Is there a certain field you believe more MLIS graduates will flock to than others?
Since part-time professional library positions seem to be a trend right now, I could see MLIS grads looking elsewhere or perhaps doing both. The information technology field seems like an ideal match for some MLIS grads, and the records management field is growing by leaps and bounds right now.
5. What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs? Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
Reference/patron service skills certainly transfer to other jobs. I can't imagine how any employer (library or not) would see an MLIS as a drawback. Having an advanced degree demonstrates perseverence and discipline, and information seeking, gathering, and organizing skills are valuable in any profession.
Ami – You’re a great example of how your job priorities change as you go through life. Right now as I also approach 30 I am still concerned with having a job with a high income. This could be because currently I am not married nor do I have any children which makes my schedule a bit more flexible than most. Also, at the present time, I am concerned with having enough money to pay back my student loans and to purchase a house so the more money I can make the better. As time goes on I am sure my priorities will change. I can not wait until the day when my income will not be my first priority!
1. Do you think it looks bad on a resume to have many different career changes? Does it look any different if they were job switches instead of career changes?
I do not think that it necessarily looks bad to have many different career changes- within the same field. It would also depend on whether the person seemed to be "growing" with each change, or simply searching for himself. (For example, from lawyer to underwater basket weaver.) Many career changes can indicate an inquisitive, adventurous spirit or they can be construed as characteristic of someone who can't commit.
2. Does your experience agree with the information provided?
I spent all of my twenties in retail before earning a teaching degree. Hated teaching, am now working at a library while I earn my MLIS. Basically, yes, I have been "finding myself."
3. When might you choose an alternative career, if this is of interest to you?
As soon as I graduate- this is where the money is! I would consider working for a corporation such as Google, Proquest,Gale, or many others. I also think that working as an information specialist or researcher for a textbook publishing firm would be a natural fit.
4. Do you believe more MLIS graduates will begin seek alternative library career? Is there a certain field you believe more MLIS graduates will flock to than others?
Definitely- I think that the tight job market will force more MLIS graduates to seek employment in alternative library careers. I believe that many will gravitate to the technology and publishing fields.
5. What other library related skills would transfer to other jobs? Do you believe non-library employers will view a MLIS as an advantage or a drawback?
Research and technology skills will easily transfer to other jobs. MLIS graduates may have to emphasize the "soft skills" aspect of the MLIS degree when interviewing with non-library employers.
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