Diane Deaver moved here two months ago and has a background in customer service, but is now trying to transition to medical billing.
She says changing careers is tough especially in today's economic climate.
Deaver explains, "I'm looking for every skill that I had previously so I can get the job."
Dana Rodenbaugh, who oversees programs and educational services for the Pikes Peak Workforce Center says Diane isn't alone. He says of the 20 people he's recently met with... at least half have had to make a career change.
He says some industries are in decline which forces workers to look elsewhere. Plus... more and more of those looking for jobs are seniors who have lost savings and investment money.
Rodenbaugh believes those contemplating changes should first assess their interests, abilities, and background... even taking online tests to help point them into fields they may never have considered.
Rodenbaugh adds, "Many people need more than one version of their resume. A resume is not just a report of what I've done, but it's an advertisement of what I want to do."
Rodenbaugh says job seekers should also consider working for hospitals and universities. He calls them small cities which offer a number of positions from doctors, nurses, faculty and deans... to food service staff, administrative support, telephone operators, and IT workers.
He also suggests signing up with temp agencies since many short term projects can lead to full time jobs.
Rodenbaugh says yo've got to be able to say, "I've got a Plan B, C, and D and simultaneously look for jobs."
A couple of websites are also helpful for those considering a career change.
They are www.onet center.org and www.careervoyages.gov.
They are sponsored by the U.S. Labor and the Education Departments.