Preparing for a Career Transition: Building Positive Relationships
- Yinka
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Career transitions can feel daunting, but one of the most effective ways to navigate change is by actively building and leveraging positive relationships. As Professor Herminia Ibarra’s research highlights, successful career change is less about solitary planning and more about “trying stuff out and talking to people.” This means testing new paths and engaging with a variety of connections to gather insights and open doors.
Try Stuff Out and Talk to People
Exploring new fields isn’t just about updating your CV or applying for jobs. It’s about immersing yourself in new experiences and, crucially, conversations. Reach out to professionals in roles or sectors you’re curious about. These discussions can reveal hidden opportunities, useful information, clarify your interests, and help you refine your direction.
Find Career Gatekeepers
Some opportunities are only accessible through “gatekeepers” such as recruiters, hiring managers, or influential insiders. While recruiters are useful for traditional moves, career changers often benefit more from their wider networks, including those who can provide introductions, advice, or referrals.
Leverage Loose and Close Ties
Ibarra distinguishes between close ties (trusted friends and colleagues) and loose or “weak” ties (acquaintances, former classmates, or colleagues you haven’t spoken to in a while). Weak ties are particularly powerful for career changers because they connect you to powerful information and networks, helping you avoid the echo chamber of your usual contacts.
Recent research from Professor Daniel Z. Levin, shows that reconnecting with dormant contacts, especially those you didn’t know well but trust to be helpful-can be even more valuable than relying solely on your immediate network. These ties often bring fresh perspectives and novel opportunities, reducing the risk of redundant information and group think.
How to Reconnect Effectively
When reaching out, remember to:
Reference your shared history to re-establish rapport.
Catch up on each other’s journeys.
Ensure both parties are aligned in their expectations for the re-connection.
The most fruitful re-connections are often with people you sense will be open and supportive, even if your previous interactions were brief.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re preparing for a career transition, don’t leave your networking to chance. Work with a career coach to design an action plan that identifies which connections to activate, how to approach them, and what steps to take next.
A structured plan, developed with expert guidance, will help you build the right relationships, gain fresh insights, and move confidently toward your next career chapter.
Book a session with a career coach today and start building your transition network!
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