What do you do if you want to boost your career in Change Management?

1 Assess your current level

Before you plan your next steps, you need to know where you are in your change management journey. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Change Management Institute's Change Readiness Assessment, to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, identify your knowledge gaps, and set your learning goals. You can also seek feedback from your peers, managers, mentors, or coaches to gain insights into your performance and potential.

2 Pursue relevant certifications

Demonstrating your competence and commitment to change management can be done by obtaining professional certifications that are recognized and respected in the industry. Depending on your experience, interests, and objectives, there are various options to choose from. For example, the Prosci Certified Change Practitioner certification is based on the Prosci ADKAR model and requires a three-day training program and project-based assessment. Additionally, the APMG International Change Management certification is based on the Effective Change Manager's Handbook and consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. Finally, the Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) certification is offered by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) and requires a minimum of three years of change management experience, 21 hours of training, and a 150-question exam.

3 Expand your network

Networking is essential for any career development, particularly for change management, as it allows you to gain knowledge from others, express your ideas, discover opportunities, and form trust and credibility. To expand your network, you can join professional associations such as the ACMP or the Change Management Institute and participate in their events and webinars. Additionally, attending conferences, workshops, seminars, or podcasts that are related to change management can be beneficial. Moreover, reaching out to your existing contacts and asking for referrals or introductions is a great way to build your network. Lastly, creating an online presence such as a LinkedIn profile or a blog can help you showcase your achievements and opinions.

4 Keep learning and updating your skills

Change management is an ever-evolving field that necessitates a commitment to learning and adaptation. To stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, methods, and research in change management and related disciplines, such as project management, organizational development, psychology, communication, and leadership, you can read books and articles on the subject, take online courses or webinars, enroll in a formal education program, or seek mentoring from experienced change managers. These activities will give you relevant and practical knowledge and skills to help you succeed in change management.

5 Apply your skills and showcase your results

If you want to boost your career in change management, you should apply your skills and showcase your results in real-world situations. Volunteering for change initiatives or projects in your current or desired organization, industry, or sector is a great way to do this. Additionally, it is important to seek feedback, recognition, and endorsement from stakeholders, sponsors, managers, and peers for your contributions and achievements. Furthermore, you should document and measure the outcomes and impacts of your change interventions using quantitative and qualitative data and indicators. Finally, don't forget to share your successes and lessons learned with your network, potential employers, or clients to highlight your value proposition and competitive edge.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?