Many young professionals aim for career success. If you want to join them at the finish line, you must learn how to direct your own professional journey. And before you choose your route, you need a destination.

Challenges are an essential factor in professional development. Whether you’re selecting a university course or planning a big career move, challenges have a way of crashing the party. But how do you know when to take the next big step?

After a few years in your chosen profession, you may be eager for new experiences and opportunities. Maybe you’d like to pursue a new position or even start your own business. There are a number of ways to transform your professional life. Of course, making a big career change can be incredibly daunting.

Career Pivoting at European Innovation Academy

You’re not alone!

For starters, don’t worry! You’re not alone. There are many young professionals facing the same struggle. The Economist argued that young professionals need to be lifelong learners. This means that throughout their careers, they will probably have to reenter the classroom either virtually or in-person to keep those CVs fresh.

It’s completely normal to feel lost in the big world of career development. But, it’s essential to have a precise plan as you change things up. Career pivoting is a viable way to find your new path while retaining useful prior knowledge.

Pivoting isn’t just for NBA superstars. It is also an important term in the entrepreneurial world. So, you may be asking, “What does this have to do with my career change?” Hang on! We’ll explain further in the coming paragraphs.

 

Understanding the Career Pivot

In basketball, pivoting is where a player with the ball turns, one foot planted firmly, and changes direction to pass to his or her teammate. This can be a helpful analogy to keep in mind. So, in the entrepreneurial world, pivoting is about keeping one foot on the ground while changing course.

According to Rick Rassmusen, “Pivoting shouldn’t be seen as a scary process. It’s actually a part of the learning process.” Rassmusen is a Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, and Head of Mentors at the European Innovation Academy.

A Pivot, then, is a kind of shift. In short, it’s a tool that can be used for your business, product, or career change.

 

Finding Your Why

Career frustration can be overwhelming. Worse yet, if you don’t understand the reasons you’re feeling unfulfilled, you might be unable to switch paths. So, start by asking yourself:

  • Why do I want to change?
  • Why this new career be better?
  • And last but not least: Why is it different from my current one?

Answering these questions is a simple, effective way to help you take those first steps toward your next challenge.

 

Changing with an Entrepreneurial Mindset

There is no successful change without a great action plan. You need the ambition to seek problems in the world, and the knowledge to find and quickly implement solutions. however, to pivot into a new career, you will need to plan and take a measured approach. This can be done by following these general steps:

  1. Set your primary goal.
  2. Think about your milestones.
  3. Create an ideal timeline.
  4. Make a list of all the skills you need to acquire and the people you need to meet.

It is important to manage your career with an entrepreneurial mindset. So, start by making small changes. Because each little change should help you on your path toward an ultimate career goal.

 

EIA: Your Guide to a Successful Career Pivot

The first step is always the hardest. After reading through this post, you may be wondering how to put theory into practice. Fortunately, there are reliable tools that young professionals can use to make big changes.

The European Innovation Academy represents a huge opportunity for starting your own career pivot. Over the course of three weeks, you’ll be exposed to the challenge of creating your own startup with an international team.

Career Pivot: change your career at EIA

This immersive program is a valuable exercise in stepping outside your comfort zone. It is a chance to rapidly improve your skills and to network with companies, mentors, and universities from all over the world.

After completing the three-week course, you’ll feel ready to take your next step with a new mindset. You’ll have important opportunities to meet professionals from companies like Google, Deloitte, UC Berkeley, and Airbnb. It’s a life-changing opportunity to put theory into practice with high-level mentors, work with a diverse team and add a unique experience to boost your CV.

Carving out a new path can be tough, but having a process in mind makes all the difference. That very process is on offer at the European Innovation Academy, your first step toward a fulfilling new career path.

Do you want to know more about EIA? Check this link!